October First Tuesday Talk – Reduce The Risk

For those that couldn’t make the interesting talk by Bucks Alzheimer’s Society on Tuesday, here is a summary of the important content of the talk…

Claire works for Bucks Dementia Support Services as an adviser which is commissioned by Buckinghamshire council and the service is delivered by the Alzheimer’s Society. There is a national support line Dementia Connect – Tel 0333 150 3456

After an introduction to a range of support services available for the person living with dementia and carer alike, Claire thoroughly went through the 6 things we could do to reduce the risk of developing Dementia.

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain and is different to just getting forgetful with age.

1. Physical exercise. You need to move your body and keep active, finding something that is suitable for your ability and that you enjoy…….if it is good for the heart it is good for the brain.
2. Eating healthily with a balanced diet. Include more vegetables, oily fish, wholegrains, pulses and beans. Eat less red meat, processed meat and sugary foods.
3. Try to stop smoking, finding support with way in which to do that.
4. Reduce alcohol intake. Alcohol has been shown to affect the risk of dementia. Drink no more than 14 units per week and spread out that consumption over at least three days.
5. Stay socially and mentally active. Engaging in mental or social activities may help to build up the brain’s ability to cope with disease, relieve stress and improve your mood. Finding activities to engage and challenge your brain may help or delay or even prevent dementia from developing.
6. Maintain your health in all areas including even hearing and feet as these can have impacts on our quality of life, affecting the other factors above.

Claire managed to remind us all in a positive and friendly way how we can all help us help ourselves.