Brain health the focus for Federal Parliamentary Friends of Dementia

This month Dementia Australia hosted a Parliamentary Friends of Dementia event at Parliament House in Canberra focusing on the topic of brain health.

The brain health focus was inspired by the new ABC program Plum, which follows Peter Lum, a retired former rugby league player who is diagnosed with a brain disorder following years of concussions he suffered on the field.

A panel discussion, facilitated by DAAC chair Bobby Redman, included Dementia Advocates Ruth Bohill and Jonathan Brown, as well as acclaimed actor, writer and producer Brendan Cowell who stars in Plum and Headsafe CEO Dr Adrian Cohen who was medical advisor for the program.

The discussion covered:

• why brain health is important throughout our lives 
• the importance of protecting our brains in sport, and 
• the ways that people can live fulfilled lives when they experience a cognitive impairment. 

Bobby Redman closed the discussion saying, “All this that we’ve spoken about demonstrates why brain health is so important for everyone, across our lives, including those with a diagnosis of dementia.

“But sadly, Australians are mostly unaware of the importance of brain health. It’s not just physical health – it’s important to socialise, remain active, manage relationships, eat well, and get regular health and vision checks,” she continued.

“It’s vitally important to know that this discussion is getting the attention it deserves. We know that the modifiable factors that we’ve discussed here today can not only reduce the risk of developing dementia or delay the onset of dementia, but even after diagnosis, it can keep us functioning. 

“We want to help people to function for as long as they can and enjoy a good life. And we can live a good life.”