People worried about memory loss are needed for new study

RESEARCHERS are looking at whether there is a link between diabetes and dementia and are calling for anyone worried about memory loss to take part in a study.

Camilla Hoyos is looking for people who are concerned about their memory for new research into dementia. Picture: Adam Yip/ Manly Daily

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A NORTHERN beaches researcher is looking for people who are concerned about memory loss to take part in a new study.

Camilla Hoyos, of Forestville, is a dementia research fellow at the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney, and is working with the Brain and Mind Centre on a project looking at links between diabetes and dementia.

The study is looking for 150 people over the age of 50 who are concerned about their memory, cognitive skills, or have noticed a change in their mood.

They do not have to have diabetes, but they need a referral from their doctor regarding their memory issues.

“These changes are early risk factors for dementia,” Ms Hoyos said.

“Those accepted into the study will undergo cognition tests and from those, a subset of people will be chosen for further investigation, such as MRI scans.”

Camilla Hoyos is looking for people who are concerned about their memory for new research into dementia. Adam Yip/ Manly Daily

She said the good news for those found to have abnormal changes in the brain was that they would be offered treatments. While there was no cure for dementia, there was evidence that early diagnosis and treatment could help slow down the disease.

Ms Hoyos said she was fascinated with brain ageing and had worked in the field for some time.

Another study she had been involved in looked at links between dementia and lack of sleep.

In this new study, funded by Diabetes NSW & ACT and Diabetes Australia, the aim is to investigate the underlying links between diabetes and dementia and to develop future early interventions to slow cognitive decline.

She recommended people exercise their brains like they would their heart, if they want to try and prevent dementia.

“It’s important to keep pushing yourself mentally,” she said. “Learning new skills or a new language will help prevent brain ageing.”

Behavioural intervention can slow dementia

Ms Hoyos encouraged people to get a proper night’s sleep, although for her, with two small children, she sometimes finds that a challenge.

However, she said making small changes could help improve sleep quality, such as going to bed at the same time and removing mobiles and laptops from the bedroom.

She also said it was important to have a balanced diet with plenty of antioxidants including leafy, green vegetables.

To take part in the study email [e-mail].

The numbers

■ 3.2 million Australians have been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes

■ Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85 to 90 per cent of all cases of diabetes and can be prevented with healthy diet and exercise

■ Dementia affects more than 340,000 Australians at a cost to the economy of $30 billion per year