The Dementia Centre’s new Head, Heart, Health workshops are empowering the community to take action to reduce the risk of dementia.

‘My mother had dementia… does this mean I will too?’.

This was a worry which often played on Fiona’s mind and a question which The Dementia Centre team are frequently asked.

For eight years, Fiona supported her mother who was living with Alzheimer’s Disease. While there were many moments of joy and laughter, the impact of caring for her mum was significant, particularly across Fiona’s work and social life. There were times when it was hard for Fiona to know how to help her mother and the experience left her with a sense of anxiety about the future - would she follow a similar path?

Rising risk

With the number of Australians living with dementia expected to more than double in the next 30 years, it has become increasingly likely that we will know someone (be it a family member, friend, neighbour, or colleague) who has been impacted by dementia.

Many people do not realise that dementia is not a part of normal ageing and therefore assume that we are powerless to influence whether dementia is part of our future. The level of misinformation about dementia in the general community means that it is critical to create a clear dialogue about brain health and dementia risk reduction.

The reasons why a person may develop dementia are multifaceted, involving a constellation of factors that include our physical health and wellbeing, environment, genetics, and lifestyle.

It is also well-known that the physical changes in the brain associated with dementia may begin in the person’s 30s and 40s, and by making simple, achievable lifestyle changes we can take control in reducing our dementia risk.

A recent study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlighted that on average, Australian’s knowledge of ways to reduce dementia risk was low. Similarly, this study identified that although most Australians engaged in a practice that can reduce risk (such as exercise) this was often done for other reasons (Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, 2024).

With the prevalence of dementia on the rise, it is crucial for us to empower the community on the various ways we can reduce our risk of developing dementia.

Taking back control

Leading the conversation, The Dementia Centre has recently launched a new educational workshop with a focus on dementia risk reduction, known as Head, Heart, Health (or H3 for short).

The key goal of H3 is to provide people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to take targeted action through simple, practical lifestyle changes.

While changing our habits can be difficult, we can harness a variety of strategies to make small, achievable changes. This can something as simple as treating hearing loss or making more time to connect and socialise with family and friends. It’s important to never discount the value of small changes over time.

How Head, Heart, Health is helping

Fiona felt reassured and empowered after attending The Dementia Centre H3 workshop.

She left with the knowledge that although there is a family history of dementia, she can take active steps to minimise her risk. Recognising the importance of social connection and brain health, Fiona was empowered to take time for herself during the week to connect regularly with her friends and family.

H3 has been delivered to audiences in the Northern Territory, with other venues planned for the coming months.

Feedback from the sessions has been overwhelming positive.. A typical feedback comment reads: 'Reminded me to make small, healthier changes and encourage others to join in.'

The Dementia Centre looks forward to delivering H3 workshops nationally over the next 12 months. Find out more here.