Queensland researchers behind a large international study have found frailty increases the likelihood of developing dementia. There is hope early intervention could delay or even prevent the illness, which is the second leading case of death for Australians.
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00:00For these over 50s, community art classes are a joy.
00:07Most of the people are retired and they're looking for something to improve their mind.
00:14They're forging social connections, learning new skills and thinking about colours and composition.
00:20I don't want to be someone who sits in a chair all day watching telly.
00:25Everybody, circle left.
00:28Next door, square dancing is a challenge for the mind and body.
00:33Promenade your partner.
00:35It's activities like these that can help stave off frailty.
00:39Frailty in someone is a general pattern of age-related changes in multiple domains.
00:46Using studies from the UK and US, Queensland researchers tracked the health data of nearly 30,000 people over 20 years.
00:56They found age-related decline is a very strong risk factor for dementia,
01:01a group of illnesses that affect memory, intellect, social skills and physical function.
01:07For every four to five additional health problems that people accumulated,
01:12their dementia risk increased by about 40%.
01:15The published research also found frailty started to accelerate nine years ahead of a dementia diagnosis.
01:23Frailty may become a marker that we consider a bit more strongly in terms of identifying people
01:29who might benefit from some interventions.
01:32Doctors recommend a healthy diet rich in protein, regular exercise with a focus on strength training,
01:40appropriate use of medication to control chronic conditions and strong social networks.
01:47It's estimated more than 400,000 Australians live with dementia
01:52and that number is expected to almost double in the next 30 years.
01:56Experts say it's never too late to embrace a healthy diet and start building strength.