WITH an ageing population the fear of losing memory is a concern many Australians face.
In fact, co-director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at the University of NSW, Professor Henry Brodaty said the fear of losing memory was now higher than being diagnosed with cancer.
He will speak at the free Better Brain, Better Life forum from 10am to 1pm on Wednesday, March 4, at Rockdale Town Hall.
He said although research into dementia and Alzheimer's was promising, there was still no magic pill for a cure.
"For the past 15 years I've said we'll have something in five years but I've stopped saying that now," he said.
"There are some promising leads but we need to think of other strategies."
Lack of exercise and social activity, smoking and a high intake of alcohol increased risks to the brain later in life.
He said there were a few things people could do to improve an ageing brain.
"Diet is a big thing — a Mediterranean diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and low saturated fat," he said.
"Exercise is important; about 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
"Just seeing your doctor to check your blood pressure — all these things work together. I always say it's never too late and never too early."