The number of Australians diagnosed with dementia is expected to soar to over 530,000 by 2025 and surpass 1.1 million by 2056 if no medical breakthrough occurs, according to projections from medical research organisation NeuRA As we grapple with this unsettling reality, preserving memory emerges as a crucial aspect of our daily lives, particularly as it tends to wane with age.

Dr. Andrew Budson, a neurology lecturer at Harvard Medical School, says "There's more focus on this now because medical science has done a relatively good job of treating heart disease and cancer, but made fewer strides in addressing memory disorders such as dementia," and more people are worried about this than ever.

A panel of experts from the St Vincent’s Brains Trust acknowledges the absence of curative treatments for dementia but emphasises the potential benefits of targeted prevention strategies. Recent studies suggest that up to 40 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed, ushering in a ray of hope.

Addressing the looming question of how to ward off memory decline, the World Health Organisation has developed guidelines for cognitive decline and dementia risk reduction. Recommendations include familiar elements like physical activity, stopping smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, and management of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol levels. Additionally, cognitive training, social engagement, and depression management are emphasised. Interestingly, maintaining a healthy weight and consuming a balanced diet are also integral components of this comprehensive approach.

Echoing these sentiments, global healthcare knowledge provider BMJ, most well-known for publishing The British Medical Journal, conducted a 10-year cohort study in January 2023 involving 29,072 participants aged 60 or older. The study highlighted the profound impact of a healthy lifestyle, encompassing positive behaviours such as abstaining from smoking and drinking, adopting a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical exercise, and embracing cognitive activity and social interaction. 

The findings indicate that adherence to such a lifestyle is associated with a slower rate of memory decline.