Protect Your Brain Health and Reduce Your Risk of Dementia

Marking International Brain Awareness Week (March 14-20), the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign is urging people across the country to take steps to protect their brain health and reduce their risk of dementia.

Prof Suzanne Timmons, Consultant Geriatrician explains what people can do to minimise their dementia risk:

“In taking steps like adopting a healthy lifestyle by having a balanced diet, not smoking and undertaking regular physical activity, we can all reduce our risk of dementia, not to mention many other diseases. We want people in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s in particular to know that taking action now can reduce their risk in the future. We also want people to know that social interaction with others can make a difference to their brain health and this message couldn’t be more relevant now as we all start to enjoy meeting friends and family again post Covid restrictions.”

A Lancet study in 2020 identified 12 modifiable risk factors that could account for 40% of dementia worldwide and we are highlighting a number of these factors, creating awareness of the link with dementia and how people in their midlife can reduce their risk.

If you or a loved one is worried about dementia, you can speak to a dementia adviser at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland on Freephone 1800 341 341 (Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm). For more information on dementia and services in your county, visit www.understandtogether.ie. 

The Dementia: Understand Together campaign is led by the HSE in partnership with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Age Friendly Ireland, Age and Opportunity, the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre, and Healthy Ireland.