What is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for changes and damages in the brain that lead to a wide range of impairments such as changes in memory, thinking, problem solving, language, behaviour, and perceptions. The impairments can affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities and functioning. Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse as more brain cells become damaged.
Some signs of dementia include, but are not limited to:
- Difficulty with daily tasks
- Memory problems
- Thinking problems
- Behaviour problems
- Communication problems
- Judgment problems
Dementia Prevention Strategies
- Care for your heart: Track your numbers and keep them in the recommended ranges. Track your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight.
- Be physically active: Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days.
- Eat healthy: Follow Canada’s Food Guide: plenty of vegetables and fruits, limit highly processed foods and make water your drink of choice.
- Be social.
- Challenge your brain: Expose your brain to new things. Do more than one type of activity.
- Protect your head.
- Sleep well: Get 7-8 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. Have a regular sleep routine. Try relaxation techniques.
- Care for your mental health: Talk about your mental health. Build resilience. Practice all the other brain healthy choices.
Dementia Resources