An Australian-first brain care clinic at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital has opened to combat dementia by prescribing lifestyle programs, aiming to protect patient cognitive health before symptoms worsen. Nearly half a million Australians currently live with the condition, which has become the country’s leading cause of death.
St. Vincent’s Hospital Launches Targeted Prevention Clinic
Primary school teacher Anne Wall spends her days shaping young minds, but she is now racing to protect her own. Wall noticed early warning signs when she struggled to recall familiar words. Her general practitioner referred her to the new Brain Care Clinic at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, an Australian-first program focused entirely on tackling dementia before it takes hold. “I don’t want to be in a care home,” Wall said.
Participants in the pilot group follow a strict routine encompassing a diet, exercise regime and sleep program. Clinicians track participants’ blood pressure and cholesterol levels while incorporating social connection and intense brain training. Patients undergo cognitive testing at eight weeks, six months, and one year to measure the program’s efficacy.
Did You Know?
Nearly half a million Australians are currently living with dementia, making it the leading cause of death in the country. Because there is currently no cure, prevention is increasingly important.
Addressing Lifestyle Risks to Delay Cognitive Decline
The medical professionals behind the initiative believe that up to 50 percent of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by aggressively addressing known lifestyle risks. “There’s good evidence that it can be prevented at a population level. More likely it’s delaying onset. But even delaying onset has significant advantages,” Professor Brew stated.
Alongside Wall, 84-year-old Mary Lou and 69-year-old Jo Healy-North participate in the rigorous training regimen. Healy-North sought out the program because early-onset dementia runs in her family. “I have a sister who has early onset, which is gruesome. It’s just awful,” Healy-North said.
A Potential Blueprint for Australian Healthcare
For patients like Wall, the stakes are deeply personal. With her first grandchild due to arrive around Christmas, she views the clinic’s preventative regimen as an invaluable investment in her future. “I’m going to be a grandmother this year. My first grandchild at Christmas. So that’s very exciting,” Wall said. “The best gift.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the St Vincent’s Brain Care Clinic?
It is an Australian-first public hospital clinic in Sydney dedicated to dementia prevention, utilizing tailored lifestyle programs, exercise, diet, and cognitive training to protect patient brain health.
How many people live with dementia in Australia?
Almost half a million Australians live with dementia, which is currently the leading cause of death in the country.
Can dementia really be prevented through lifestyle changes?
According to Professor Bruce Brew, senior neurologist at St Vincent’s, good evidence indicates that addressing lifestyle risks can prevent or delay the onset of dementia.
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