As healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and carers, you play a vital role in shaping the health behaviours of your patients and communities. With the new year underway, Dementia Australia is encouraging all Australians to prioritise brain health through physical activity. This is a unique opportunity for healthcare providers to lead by example and promote evidence-based strategies to reduce the risk of dementia.
Recent research highlights the critical role of physical activity in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia. A 2023 study identified physical inactivity as Australia's largest modifiable risk factor for dementia—surpassing smoking, alcohol consumption, and traumatic brain injury. Similarly, the 2024 Dementia Lancet Commission confirmed midlife physical inactivity as a key risk factor for dementia.
This underscores the importance of early and sustained intervention, particularly in midlife, to lower dementia risk and support overall health.
Educating Patients
Healthcare professionals are trusted sources of information. Share insights with your patients about the benefits of physical activity for brain health, particularly for those at risk of or living with dementia. Provide practical advice on how they can incorporate movement into their daily lives.
Promoting Active Lifestyles
Encourage patients to make small but consistent changes, such as walking, swimming, or participating in community exercise programs. Recommend local resources like Dementia Australia’s library, which offers tips for maintaining activity levels before and after a dementia diagnosis.
Leading by Example
As carers and clinicians, demonstrating an active lifestyle can inspire those you care for to follow suit. Highlight your own physical activity routines and share the benefits you’ve experienced.
Supporting Community Initiatives
Introduce patients and families to opportunities like Dementia Australia’s Memory Walk & Jog, the organisation’s largest annual fundraising event. This initiative not only promotes physical activity but also raises awareness and funds to support individuals impacted by dementia.
Healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to integrate brain health into patient care plans. By prioritising physical activity, you can help reduce the burden of dementia across Australia. The National Dementia Helpline (1800 100 500) offers resources to support your discussions with patients and families about the importance of staying active.
As Heather Cooper, an 80-year-old Dementia Advocate, demonstrates, consistent physical activity can have a profound impact even after a dementia diagnosis. Her commitment to running, swimming, and cross-training several times a week serves as an inspiration for patients and carers alike.
In 2025, let’s make brain health a national priority. Encourage your patients, colleagues, and communities to get active, participate in events like the Memory Walk & Jog, and access resources through Dementia Australia. For those pursuing GP careers or Nursing careers, integrating brain health promotion into your practice offers a meaningful way to enhance patient care and contribute to better community health outcomes.
For more information on dementia and support resources, visit dementia.org.au or contact the National Dementia Helpline at 1800 100 500. The helpline operates 24/7, providing advice and assistance for individuals, carers, and healthcare professionals.
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