DEMENTIA is the leading cause of death in Australia, yet little is known about whether rural Australians are more likely to develop the condition than city dwellers.
A new University of South Australia project, Re-ACTIVate, is working with regional communities to identify if country people are more susceptible to dementia and to develop prevention strategies tailored to rural areas.
The first study of its kind, Re-ACTIVate will assess modifiable dementia risk factors among older rural people, then co-design a practical prevention toolkit to meet community needs. The study builds on UniSA’s landmark ACTIVate research, which found that how older people spend their time can affect cognition and brain volume.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Ashleigh Smith said the study will directly compare dementia risk factors and brain health between rural and urban adults. “We know there are at least 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which include things like smoking, diet, exercise and social isolation,” she said. “People living in rural and remote communities face different challenges, including access to health services, continuity of care, fewer places to be physically active, and different work and social patterns.”
PhD candidate Britt Burton said there is a critical need for a public health strategy targeting dementia risk in rural and regional Australia. “Communities can be left with fewer supports and opportunities — particularly for older residents who want to stay healthy, connected and active,” he said.
