Island Project still recruiting!

DEMENTIA IS now the second leading cause of death in Australia.

Not many people are aware that they can reduce their risk so Tasmanians over 50 years of age are being asked to sign up to the ISLAND Project, the largest dementia prevention project in the world.

Through the ISLAND Project we know that approximately one third of dementia cases can possibly be prevented if people attend to a range of risk factors from middle age onwards.

These risk factors can be modified. You can reduce your own risk and improve your overall wellbeing by making some changes to the following:

• reducing your blood pressure

• managing your weight

• lowering your cholesterol

• controlling diabetes and blood sugar levels

• following a healthy diet

• learning new things and doing activities that challenge your brain

• increasing the amount of

• physical activity you usually take

• reducing the amount of alcohol you consumed

• stopping smoking

When you join the ISLAND Project, you will learn about your own levels of modifiable risk and receive some advice on any changes you could make to your own risk profile.

You might also wish to discuss your results with your GP or other health advisors.

The ISLAND Project is seeking to reduce the incidence of dementia in the whole population of Tasmania.

Over 10,000 people have signed up to the Project so far and we’re amazed at the support we’ve received.

We’re still recruiting and have raised our target to 20,000 Tasmanians aged 50 and over, or 10% of the state population in this age bracket. Covering this proportion of population would help make the ISLAND Project one of the most important health studies in the world.

Please help reach this target. Spread the word and ask your friends and family to be part of the ISLAND Project.

You can sign up, or get more information by going to https:// island.mooc.utas.edu.au.

The Project hopes to reach all Tasmanians over 50 years of age, especially those who are concerned about dementia and the impact it has on individuals, families and communities.