The Dementia: Understand Together campaign, led by the HSE in partnership with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Age Friendly Ireland, Age & Opportunity, Healthy Ireland and the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre, is encouraging everyone to make simple changes to help maintain brain health and reduce the risk of developing some types of dementia.
This year’s theme is Focus on the Brain, a great reminder just how amazing our brains are and how important it is to look after them.
A study by The Lancet (registration required for free access) in 2024 identified 14 modifiable risk factors that could account for up to 45% of dementia worldwide. We’re highlighting a number of these factors, creating awareness of the link with dementia and how people can reduce their risk.
Proactive steps people can take include:
•being physically active
•eating a healthy balanced diet
•quitting smoking
•managing blood pressure
•looking after your hearing and vison
•making time for social connection and interaction.
Adopting these habits in adulthood can play an important part in reducing risk, as well as developing good routines for life.
Additional Assets:
•Think Brain Health webinar
“Discover how healthy behaviours support your incredible brain”. Sarah Mc Cormack, HSE Healthy Ireland Lead, Health & Wellbeing is joined by experts in this area to discuss our brain and the healthy behaviours we can adopt to look after it.
You can watch it back here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzmUt7PMx9c
•Think Brain Health podcast
As part of the HSE’s Health & Wellbeing podcast series, Dr Sean O’Dowd explains the functions of different brain parts and emphasises the importance of how we can maintain brain health by making informed lifestyle choices:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOVAMeIBi1g
•RTE Today Show
Dr Seán O’Dowd talks about dementia awareness with a strong emphasis on social inclusion. You can watch the episode here:
