Dr. Laura O'Philbin:

There is a definite connection there. There are factors such as smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, low social contact - we are always telling people to stay out in their communities - excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury and air pollution. The individual does not necessarily have control over each one of these. However, as a society I believe we can implement public strategies across the life course. As Mr. Heffernan said in his opening statement, brain health is everyone's business. It is never too early and it is never too late. If someone receives a diagnosis of dementia, it is not a sign of a life poorly lived. It is not a sign that this person was not healthy or did not do the right thing. Up to 40% of dementia is potentially modifiable. We do not know about the other 60%. Sometimes there are other things going on. The brain is a very complex and confusing organ. This is a message of hope and empowerment that we can take some control and maybe even delay the onset of dementia a little bit. At the same time, nobody deserves dementia. Nobody did anything wrong to go and get that diagnosis.