PHE publishes latest Health Matters edition on reducing dementia risk

Public Health England has launched the fourth edition of Health Matters, a resource for health professionals and local government, which aims to inform of midlife approaches to reduce dementia risk.

The programme highlights that up to a third of dementia cases could be attributable to potentially modifiable lifestyle risk factors. Data shows Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia affect around 850,000 Britons and costs the economy £26 billion per year, with the figure expected to rise to one million by 2025 and two million by 2050.

The latest edition suggests that dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing and brings together local and national level data, as well as infographics, slide sets, cases studies and blogs which combine to make a case for investing in dementia risk reduction.

Commenting on the publication, Dr Matthew Norton, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Alzheimer’s Research UK welcomes the new Health matters resource from Public Health England, which will help healthcare professionals raise awareness of ways the public may be able to reduce their risk of developing dementia.

“In 2016, one person every three minutes will develop dementia but, recent statistics from Alzheimer’s Research UK show, only a quarter of the British public believe it’s possible to reduce dementia risk.

“Research has shown that dementia is caused by a complex mix of genetic and lifestyle factors but, by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking or drinking to excess, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check, the risk of dementia can be lowered in some cases.

“It’s important to be aware that age is still the biggest risk factor for dementia, and as there is not yet a sure-fire way to prevent the condition it’s vital we continue to invest in research into preventions, as well as better treatments for those cases that cannot be prevented.”