Dementia can take away many abilities for those diagnosed with the condition.

But, according to Samantha Holland, the First Link Regional Team Lead for the Alzheimer Society, people can still live well with dementia.

She explains here.

“Often, we and the rest of society are hyperfocused on the losses, what they can no longer do, butwe have learnt that there are still so many lasting strengths and abilities. They are also ways to help maintain those longer so they can have a better quality of life overall. We hope to just flip the script when it comes to how people think of and talk about dementia, living well with it rather then suffering from it.”

Studies show that 40 per cent of dementia risks can be controlled through being physically and socially active, challenging our brains with number and word puzzles, having a well-balanced diet, limiting alcohol and quitting smoking.

Holland also said that protecting your head and keeping track of your numbers such as cholesterol and blood pressure are important.

Catch part two of a five-part series on dementia on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.  Today’s interview focuses on Living Well with Dementia.