NHS Health Check now includes dementia risk

Public Health England has announced its decision to add the dementia element to the NHS Health Check programme.

It is estimated that over 850,000 people are living with dementia in the UK with little public understanding of how it’s possible to reduce the risk. At present, much of the NHS Health Check focuses on reducing cardiovascular disease, but by adding dementia risk to the conversations health professionals have with patients it is hoped that patients will be encouraged to maintain their social life, keep mentally and physically active and stop smoking.

The NHS Health Check helps to identify and support people who would benefit from clinical and lifestyle treatment and services for the top seven risk factors driving the burden of non-communicable disease, such as all cancers, diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases.

Duncan Selbie, chief executive of Public Health England, said: “The NHS Health Check is one of the largest public health prevention programmes in the world with almost seven million in the last five years having benefited from a check, and it’s reaching the people where it’s most needed with the greatest numbers in the most disadvantaged areas. This success is down to local councils delivering and they should be proud of this achievement. It’s free and fast, and effective - just 15 minutes that could add years to your life.”