The drop-in session will offer support for people recently diagnosed with dementia and their carers.
No appointment is necessary, just pop along to the Living Well Hub, on Horsemarket Street if you are in need of advice and support following a recent diagnosis.
Most dementia risk is down to things that cannot be controlled, such as genes inherited from parents and grandparents - but 45% of risks can be impacted by lifestyle, according to international experts in the field, and can therefore be reduced.
In 2022, there were an estimated 2,557 people aged 65 plus living in Warrington with dementia. With an ageing population, this figure is projected to increase in our borough year on year.
While there is currently no cure for dementia, and no guaranteed way to prevent it, research shows that certain steps can be taken to help prevent or delay the risk of dementia developing and that one in three cases of dementia could be prevented through lifestyle choices.
The steps you can take to decrease the risk are:
• Keeping socially active
• Drinking less alcohol
• Stopping smoking
• Being more active
• Having regular hearing checks
• Eating well and maintain a healthy weight
• Knowing your blood pressure – High blood pressure puts you at risk
• Educating yourself on dementia and the risk factors
• Getting your eyes tested
• Knowing your cholesterol Level – High cholesterol increases your risk
Dr Komuravelli, consultant in older adult psychiatry for Merseycare Foundation Trust said: “A large amount of dementia diagnoses are preventable and caused by lifestyle factors such as high levels of alcohol consumption. If people make small behaviour changes in their middle years and ensure they get regular vision and hearing checks, they can substantially reduce their risk of dementia in later life.”
Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for public health, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said “If you, or someone you care for, has been diagnosed with dementia and you’d like advice, please drop by the dementia one stop shop. Our friendly team will be on hand to offer a range of guidance and support.
“I would also encourage people aged 40 to 74 to make use of a free NHS health check. This check-up of your overall health is offered every five years and can help find early signs which show if you're at higher risk of certain health problems that can also increase your risk of dementia. If you're over age 65, you'll be told the signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for.”
To find out more about dementia, the symptoms, and prevention and risk factors associated with dementia visit, the NHS website.
If you would like advice and support to make healthier lifestyle changes, please visit livewirewarrington.co.uk/lifestyles/
More information can be found about how to live with Dementia from our wellbeing service who have a team of dementia care navigators. Residents can talk to a member of the team for free, confidential advice and support on 01925 248460.