Brain health habits when living with dementia

Troy (pictured above with his wife Mel) and Maree both live with dementia. We asked them to share the practical habits they have adopted to help care for their brain health following their diagnosis.

Whilst we cannot change getting older, genetics or our family history, there are things we can do to help look after our brain health, regardless of whether we have dementia or not.

Troy and Mel:

Following his diagnosis of probable CTE, Troy, his wife Mel, and their two teenagers, began focusing on the lifestyle changes that would best support Troy’s brain health. Two of the most effective strategies for him have been maintaining physical activity and eating a balanced diet.

Pilates and physiotherapy are central to Troy’s routine. He completes multiple sessions a week, one‑on‑one with his trainers.

“Those guys know my story and they test me a little bit with chit-chat,” Troy said.

“I walk out [of a session] and go, he was testing me again today, working me physically, as well as mentally.”

Mel confirmed exercise also really helps Troy’s mental health.

“Even getting to the gym just to do some seated exercises. I think it certainly helps his mental health,” Mel said.

Food also plays an important role in how Troy looks after himself. His family focuses on eating a healthy diet, avoiding excessive sugar and cutting out processed foods. Mel said Troy is always trying to eat in a way that makes him feel happy and healthy.

“The goalposts move all the time, so it’s about finding new ways of looking after yourself, new ways to manage,” Mel said.

“Having a purpose each day and setting achievable goals, that’s what really supports brain health.”
 

Maree:

Since her vascular dementia diagnosis nearly six years ago, Maree has gradually built a strong network of support. Although she initially shared the news of her diagnosis only with her husband, children and two close friends, she’s since discovered how important social connection is for her brain health.

“I got involved in a dementia group,” Maree said.

“Slowly I became really good friends with the group of ladies that go to the group.”

Maree has found connecting and spending more time with her family to be beneficial, and she attends a Memory Lane Cafe with her daughter.

“We have such a great time, and it’s lovely because we have a mother-daughter day,” Maree said.

She also enjoys going to activities at her local community centre, visiting neighbours and going on an annual Sunshine Coast holiday with her family.

“I’m determined I’m going to keep going. I want to get a bit more out of my life, if I can.”

Maree’s determination carries through to the way she keeps her mind active each day.

"I do a lot and I try to do things that get me thinking,” Maree said.

“Every morning, I get out of bed and the first thing I do is I make my cup of tea. I do a crossword, I do a jigsaw puzzle on my iPad, I play a couple of games of Mahjong and then I do a couple of games of Solitaire.”

In the evenings Maree plays cards with her family, before she settles in to read her book.

“I think it keeps my brain going,” Maree said.

“If I get stuck on something I've become a person who won't give up until I've done it.”

Looking for more information or support?

If you would like support, advice or information about anything dementia-related, including brain health, contact the National Dementia Helpline.

The National Dementia Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year on 1800 100 500 or via our live chat.

The Dementia Australia Library Service has a comprehensive collection of print and digital resources about dementia, brain health and more available.