Help Reduce Your Risk Of Dementia, Protect Your Brain From Injury, Canada

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 12 Mar 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Heads Up Canada! Protecting your head from injury is an important way to help reduce your risk of developing dementia.

The brain is arguably the most important organ in our body, playing a role in every action and in every thought. In recognition of Brain Awareness Week, the Society is asking all Canadians to make the commitment to better brain health, beginning with protecting our heads from trauma.

"Research is finding more and more evidence that there is an increased risk for developing dementia among those who have experienced brain injuries, especially repeated concussions," says Scott Dudgeon, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "Therefore, no matter what your age, protecting your head is a crucial part of taking care of your brain."

Strategies to take action against head trauma include:

- Protect against concussions by wearing an approved helmet when engaging in sporting activities such as skating, skiing, skateboarding, rollerblading and cycling. Set a good example and ensure that children in your care wear appropriate helmets.

- Drive safely and always wear a seatbelt to reduce injuries in an accident.

- Use safety features like handrails to prevent falls.

Dementia, of which Alzheimer's disease is the most common form, affects about half a million Canadians. Unless a cure can be found, that number is expected to rise dramatically within the next generation.

"It is our belief that the Government of Canada must recognize this potential health crisis now, while there is still time to put together a comprehensive strategy for research funding and care delivery," adds Dudgeon.

In conjunction with Brain Awareness Week, the Society is also launching an interactive brain tour, as well as a chance for people to see how prominent Canadians are making the commitment to better brain health. To learn more, make your own healthy brain commitment, or become an Alzheimer Advocate, please visit http://www.alzheimer.ca

Brain Awareness Week, March 10 to 16, is an international campaign, coordinated by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. In the twelve years since its inception, Brain Awareness Week has become a unique international partnership of more than 2,100 organizations in 69 countries. For more information, please visit http://brainweek.dana.org.

Alzheimer Society of Canada