I spent an interesting morning at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute recently, learning about its Healthy Brain Ageing research.
It wasn’t all lectures and brain scans – there were interactive exhibits, activities and even some dancing!
The research is particularly important given dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is now Australia’s leading cause of death, accounting for almost one-in-10 deaths in 2024.
But there was also an encouraging message. We heard that at least 45 per cent of dementia risk may be potentially modifiable.
Looking after our brains as we age isn’t about one magic solution.
Staying physically active, eating well, getting good-quality sleep, practising mindfulness and maintaining social connections can all form part of a brain-healthy lifestyle.
The research presented was a great reminder that ageing is inevitable, but there are things we can do to give our brains the best chance of ageing well.
Exercise your body to protect your brain – and exercise your brain to get your estate planning done while there can be no question about your capacity.
Congratulations to the Thompson Institute team for its fascinating and important work helping us better understand healthy brain ageing.
Trent Wakerley, director, Wakerley Legal, Level 3, Ocean Central, 2 Ocean Street, Maroochydore, 5443 9600, wakerleylegal.com.au.
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