Can you reduce your risk of dementia?
Recent research shows that the risk of dementia for many people can be significantly lessened, or its onset delayed, by addressing a number of other health conditions and lifestyle factors.
Over the past few years, Professor Gill Livingston has led research for the Lancet Commission, looking at modifiable risk factors. This research is informing Government strategy and helping doctors to understand the dementia risks of other problems, such as hearing loss, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
You can watch Professor Livingston talking about her research here.
14 factors
The research has identified 14 factors which can raise your risk of developing dementia:
- Hearing loss
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Vision loss
- Traumatic head injury
- Low education level
- Air pollution
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Lack of physical activity
- Social isolation
Do speak to your GP if you feel that you have health conditions that are not being addressed, or if you are struggling to give up smoking or cut down on drinking.
For ideas about how to stay physically active and socially connected, take a look at the Age UK Oxfordshire website.
Memory Worries Workshop
If you are worried about your memory, do come along to our informal Memory Worries Workshop on Monday 31st March in Oxford. We’ll be talking about causes of memory difficulties, strategies to support memory and ways to boost brain power.
Memory Worries Workshop
2pm – 4pm
The Classroom
St Clements Centre
Cross Street
Oxford OX4 IDA
To book your place, email melissaspearman@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk or call her on 07964 038804.
