THEY used to use other names for it but today when people say "dementia" and "Alzheimer's disease" the terms are all too frighteningly familiar.
With the potential for so many baby boomers ripe to suffer such diseases, Rockdale Council has planned a free forum to address some of the problems associated with these conditions.
One speaker will be Henry Brodaty whose topic will be prevention, treatment and medication.
Professor Brodaty is co-director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of NSW Medicine.
Professor Brodaty explained that Alzheimer's was the most common form of dementia.
The youngest person he had known to be suffering from dementia was a girl of 17 who was a victim of measles complications, with the most common age for the onset of Alzheimer's being 81 or 82 years.
"It's never too early or too late to do something about it," Professor Brodaty said.
"Physical exercise and brain or mental exercises are important and eating the right foods is important, also watching out for alcohol, having a little bit of alcohol might be good.
"Some signs to watch out for [are] if you are having difficulty finding words for things or if you are not able to understand concepts you could previously understand.
"And you have to watch out: if other people are noticing these things it will be time to get an assessment from your GP."
Professor Brodaty will be joined at the forum by Dr Nicky Kochan speaking on memory, Dr Nicola Gates on the importance of exercise for brain health and Walkley-award winner and SMH columnist Paula Goodyer who will speak about the benefits of a Mediterranean diet.
Rockdale Council is a partner for the Better Brain, Better Life forum being held during the seniors month program at Rockdale Town Hall, Tuesday, March 4, 10am-1pm.
Bookings essential: http://www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
