Expert Urges Government Funding for Brain Health to Fight Dementia
Professor Henry Brodaty calls on the Australian government to invest in prevention-focused dementia research as a national strategy. With over 400,000 Australians living with dementia and costs expected to double by mid-century, the need for action is urgent. The Maintain Your Brain trial shows that personalized interventions can reduce dementia risk and improve health outcomes without adding extra burden to the healthcare system.
Today at the National Press Club of Australia, Professor Henry Brodaty, Co-Director of UNSW's Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), urged the Federal Government to support prevention-focused dementia research as a national productivity strategy.
Over 400,000 Australians live with dementia, a number expected to double by mid-century, with an estimated $3.7 billion economic burden annually.
Professor Brodaty highlighted the success of the Maintain Your Brain trial, showing that personalized lifestyle interventions can reduce dementia risk and improve health outcomes without extra healthcare costs.
The trial involved over 6,100 Australians aged 55-77 and demonstrated significant cognitive improvements and reduced dementia risk over three years.
Investing in preventive programs could lead to health system savings and improve the quality of life for older Australians, especially as the workforce ages.
Research has shown that supporting cognitive health is essential for national productivity, with prevention programs like Maintain Your Brain offering long-term benefits on health and productivity.
Professor Brodaty called for immediate investment in a National Dementia Risk Reduction Program based on successful models like Maintain Your Brain to secure a healthier future for all Australians.
According to the source: Mirage News.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
