A parent has dementia – does that mean I’ll get it?

Wondering if you can inherit dementia is a common concern. Most types of dementia are not inherited, but there are a few very rare types that have a genetic component.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia. More than 99 per cent of people with Alzheimer’s Disease do not have a form that can be passed on to their children.

e second most common cause of dementia is Vascular Disease. e percentage of people that can pass on Vascular Dementia to their children is even smaller than those that can pass on Alzheimer’s and is incredibly rare. When thinking about reducing our risks of developing dementia, the most important thing to consider is how to keep your overall health good – because what is good for your heart, is good for your brain.

It’s also good to keep socially connected. When we interact with other people, we use every part of our brain and give our brain a really good workout. A simple chat over co ee with friends, musing over the day’s hot topics, is the mental

Get ya’ dancing shoes on in mural town

Get your dancing shoes on and suit up for a fun day of dancing in Katikati.

e Muraltown Line Dancers of Katikati are hosting their line dance fundraiser social event at the Katikati War Memorial Hall from 11am-4pm on Sunday, August 13.

Pull out your cowboy boots and your checkered shirt, because the theme of the day is Western style. Hot drinks will be provided, but attendees are asked to bring their own lunches. equivalent of a full physical workout at a gym. Missing out on these social conversations can cause the brain to shrink in size.

Entry costs $5 at the door and all pro ts will go to supporting St John Ambulance and St Peter’s Church.

For more information, email Lurline Plummer on: lurline.plummer@gmail.com or phone: 07 552 0885.

Being socially isolated or lonely has also been linked to increasing the risk of developing dementia. If you are worried about your risk of getting dementia, give me a call: Ruth omas, EnlivenPlus. Phone: 07 547 4349. EnlivenPlus provides specialist dementia care from $60.