Reducing the risk of dementia
Only one-third of people realize that there are steps that they can take to reduce their risk for dementia. According to research, up to 40% of dementia cases could be prevented if 12 risk factors could be eliminated such as smoking, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, diabetes, hearing impairment, alcohol consumption, and social isolation.
Other research conducted by YouGov that was commissioned by Alzheimer’s Research UK shows that 98% of people could stand to learn more about looking after their brain health.
The same study showed that 35% of people have hearing concerns but 59% haven’t done anything about it. Only 31% get the recommended amount of sleep. Over a third are not challenging their cognitive fitness enough, and 4% never even try to. Only 27% work on improving their brain health. Around 26% occasionally exercise, while 22% never do. 73% stay socially connected with family and friends. And 61% have had their blood pressure checked over the last year.
The Think Brain Health Check-In tool
The Think Brain Health Check-In tool was developed using the latest evidence in dementia risk reduction, and it takes around 10 minutes. At the end of the check-in, the tool provides highlights in areas where the user is doing well and provides tips in areas where they could be doing more to look after their brain. The ultimate goal is to help people lower their odds of developing dementia.
This free tool covers everything from physical activity to healthy eating, as well as factors like sleep, hearing, mental well-being, and cognitive challenges. It is primarily aimed at adults in their 40s and 50s, but people of all ages are encouraged to take the check-in. However, the time between our 40s and 50s can be a particularly important time to take steps to look after our brain health by improving cognitive fitness to help reduce the risk of dementia.
Why this is important
“We hope the Think Brain Health Check-in will show people that there are things that can be done to improve their brain health and provide a practical and easy means to allow them to take action to reduce their risk of dementia,” said UCL Professor of Neurology Jonathan Schott, who is also Chief Medical Officer for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
“While there are no sure-fire ways to prevent dementia yet – risk is likely to relate to a combination of our age, genetics, and lifestyle – evidence has shown that there are steps we can all take to improve our brain health. Currently, only a third of people realise this is possible, and we urgently need to change that. It’s never too early or too late in life to start looking after your brain – so please do take the Check-in today and see what you can do to improve your brain health.”
“This is a great Alzheimer’s Research UK initiative in response to people asking for advice. Dementia is the most feared illness in the UK and this tool gives people an easy check on ways of reducing their own risk,” said University College London (UCL) Professor of Psychiatry of Older People Gill Livingston.
“It’s time for the nation to wake up to the idea of brain health and how looking after our brains can reduce the risk of dementia. The fact that 98% of people have room to improve their brain health highlights the huge potential of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s new Think Brain Health Check-in to help transform lives,” said Hilary Evans, who is the Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
“The Check-in gives people the information they need at their fingertips on how to keep their brains healthy and reduce their risk of dementia later on in life. As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we want to empower people to take action when it comes to their brain and that’s why we’re calling on people to take the Check-in.”
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/
https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/brain-health/check-in/
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30367-6/fulltext
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2023/jan/brain-health-check-tool-help-reduce-dementia-risk
https://www.worldhealth.net/news/cognitive-fitness-exercising-your-brain/
