Written by Trinity, Exercise Physiologist | Burnie Brae Healthy Connections

Understanding Dementia, Brain Health and Healthy Ageing

What does looking after your brain look like as you get older?

It might be staying active, catching up with friends, managing your health, getting your hearing and vision checked — or simply having a conversation when something doesn’t feel quite right.

Dementia Action Week, running from 21–27 September 2026, is a chance to start those conversations.

It’s an opportunity to learn more about dementia, challenge some of the stigma and think about the everyday things we can do to support our brain health and healthy ageing.

For many of us, dementia is not an abstract idea.

It might be a parent who has started forgetting appointments. A friend who is struggling to find the right words. Someone you know who is finding familiar tasks more difficult or gradually needing more help with everyday life.

Or perhaps you’ve noticed changes in yourself.

Maybe your memory doesn’t seem quite as sharp as it once was, you’re losing track of conversations or you have questions about changes you’ve noticed.

Whatever your reason for reading, starting the conversation can be an important first step.

What is dementia?

Dementia can be a difficult word to hear. You might immediately think of memory loss, but dementia is about more than simply forgetting where you put your keys or walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that can affect memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to manage everyday activities.

It can look different from person to person. Some changes may include:

• Becoming more forgetful or confused

• Having difficulty finding the right words or following conversations

• Finding familiar tasks harder to complete

• Struggling with everyday activities

• Experiencing changes in mood or behaviour

If you’re concerned about ongoing changes in your memory, thinking or behaviour — or you’ve noticed changes in someone you care about — it’s worth talking with your GP.

Getting the right information can help you understand what may be happening and what support is available.

For reliable information about dementia, symptoms, risk factors and support, visit the Australian Government dementia information.

Looking after your brain means looking after your whole health

There is no single way to prevent dementia, and some risk factors, including age and genetics, are outside our control.

However, there are things we can do throughout our lives that may help reduce our risk of dementia and support our overall health.

This can include:

• Staying physically active

• Managing health conditions

• Looking after your hearing and vision

• Not smoking

• Staying socially connected

The Australian Government notes that 45% of dementia cases globally could potentially be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors.

This doesn’t mean we can guarantee that we will never develop dementia. Rather, it highlights the importance of looking after our health and making positive lifestyle choices where we can.

Movement is one piece of the puzzle

When we think about exercise, it’s easy to picture a gym, weights or a challenging workout.

But staying active doesn’t have to look like that.

A walk around the neighbourhood, gardening, swimming, dancing, an exercise class or simply finding an activity you enjoy can all be ways to keep moving.

Regular physical activity supports more than strength and fitness. It can help maintain mobility, balance and independence, while contributing to our overall health and wellbeing.

The best activity is often the one you enjoy enough to keep doing.

Finding movement that works for you - and making it part of your everyday routine - is what matters.

Connection matters too

Looking after our health isn’t only about moving our bodies. It’s also about staying connected.

Having people to talk to, places to go and activities to look forward to can help us feel connected and part of our community.

It could be meeting a friend for coffee, joining a local group, taking part in an exercise class or simply getting out of the house regularly.

Sometimes, staying active and socially connected naturally go hand in hand. A regular class, community activity or outing can give you an opportunity to move, meet people and do something you enjoy - all at the same time.

At Burnie Brae Healthy Connections, we look at the bigger picture

Everyone has different goals.

Maybe you want to feel steadier on your feet. Perhaps you’d like to build your strength, stay active, maintain your independence or find ways to connect with your community.

Your goals are personal, and your support should be too.

Our Allied Health team at Burnie Brae Healthy Connections can work with you to understand what matters to you and help you work towards your individual goals.

This might involve support with exercise, mobility, maintaining independence or connecting you with other services and supports.

It’s not about telling you what you should be doing. It’s about understanding where you are now, where you’d like to be and finding practical ways to help you get there.

Learn more about our Allied Health Services

If you’re concerned, you don’t have to navigate it alone

If you’ve noticed changes in yourself or someone you love, it can be tempting to put it off or hope things will improve on their own.

But you don’t have to work it all out by yourself.

The National Dementia Helpline provides free, confidential information, advice and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is available to people living with dementia, carers, family and friends, health professionals, or anyone concerned about changes in memory, thinking or mood.

Call 1800 100 500 or visit Dementia Australia for more information.

At Healthy Connections, we can also help you connect with the right services and support. Whether your goal is to become more active, stay socially connected or maintain your independence, our Allied Health team can work with you to take the next step.

Call Healthy Connections on (07) 3624 2185 to find out more or book an appointment.

A conversation can be the first step

Dementia Action Week is a reminder that conversations about dementia matter.

Talking openly can help reduce stigma, build understanding and make it easier for people to seek support when they need it.

Looking after your brain is also part of looking after your whole health. Staying active, managing your health, maintaining social connections and seeking help when you have concerns can all be part of healthy ageing.

You don’t have to make every change at once. Start with what matters to you and take the next step from there.

Please note: This article provides general information only and is not intended to replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your health, speak with your GP or another appropriately qualified health professional.