Over the past 10 years, there have been incredible developments in dementia worldwide. Research, care and the goal of becoming a dementia-friendly world are bringing together researchers and practitioners everywhere.
We know a lot more, and the risk factors have been established. Did you know that 30% of cases can be prevented and avoided? Modifiable risk factors include: stimulation and education received before the age of 12, depression, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, obesity, smoking, hypercholesterolemia and poorly controlled diabetes.
A sedentary lifestyle particularly increases the risk of Alzheimer's, frontotemporal and vascular dementias. As the brain uses a large proportion of the nutrients in the blood, it needs a healthy cardiovascular system. Physical activity is the best way to nourish and oxygenate the brain.
Fortunately, care has also evolved. A few years ago, we used the same approach and the same drugs for Alzheimer's and mental illnesses. We now know that these are extremely different problems and conditions.
I invite you to watch this 30-minute video. It's in English, but I assure you that language isn't important here, because the images are powerful. Our society has reached a point where our care environments need to make this kind of shift.
I invite you to share your comments with me after viewing.
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Mireille Guillemette B.Ed. president of Mire Formation Conseil inc. and clinical trainer.
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French 
English