1. Dementia is a leading cause of disability in Australians aged 65 and older, with over 342,800 currently suffering and projections estimating 400,000 cases in less than 10 years and 900,000 cases by 2050 without medical advances. 2. A study of 1260 participants at risk of dementia found that those instructed to exercise and maintain a healthy diet of balanced nutrients saw cognitive declines slowed or stopped, with test results 25% higher than the control group after two years. 3. The study diet focused on getting calories from protein, fat, and carbohydrates within certain ranges, consuming more fruits/veggies and wholegrains, and restricting sugar intake. Participants improved processing speed by 150% and

1. Diet for the Brain:
The Right
Nutrition May
Prevent Dementia
RDNS
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St Kilda, VIC 3182
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2. With these alarming statistics, many scholars and organisations are
embarking on research to shed some light on effective prevention of
the disease.
Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability in Australians aged
65 years or older, with statistics showing that over 342,800 Australians
currently suffer from dementia. Experts say that the number will grow
further in less than 10 years, reaching up to 400,000.The figure is set to
soar higher to900,000 by 2050 if there will be no medical advancements.

3. Eating for the Brain
Researchers observed 1260 participants,
aged 60 to 77, who were already
showing risk factors for dementia. The
participants were instructed to exercise
and maintain a healthy diet.
It is a well-known fact that maintaining
a healthy diet is key to optimum health
and overall wellbeing. Recent research
reveals, however, that it could also be an
effective prevention strategy for dementia.
Experts say that a balanced diet rich in
important nutrients could slow down, and
even stop cognitive decline.
The researchers recommended a diet plan
that helped the participants get 10-20%
calories from protein sources, 25-35%
calories from fat, 45-55% daily energy
from carbohydrates and 25-35 grams of
dietary fibre. The participants consumed
more fruits and vegetables, wholegrain
cereal and low-fat milk and meat products,
and fish. They were also restricted in
terms of sugar intake.

4. Brain Power
Two years after conducting the methodology, the researchers
analyzed the cognitive abilities of the participants using the
Neuropsychological Test Battery. In general, the intervention group’s
test results were higher (25%) than the control. The researchers found
that the intervention group had a more strengthened ability to manage
thoughts. Their test results were 83% higher than the control group in
this aspect. The researchers also analyzed processing speed and
concluded that those participants who underwent the strict diet were
150% better than those who did not.
Diet plays a crucial role not just in improving physical health, but
also in preventing cognitive disorders. For family members who have
elderly relatives, it is important to understand the importance of right
meal preparation for seniors. For this, it is recommended to work with
residential aged care specialists to ensure that elderly relatives have
the right nutrition.

5. RESOURCES:
RDNS- http://www.rdns.com.au/
Fight Dementia- https://fightdementia.org.au/about-dementia-and-memory-
loss/statistics
AIHW- http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737422958