Dementia campaign launched on brain health

Simple lifestyle changes could help lower the chances of being diagnosed with dementia, a charity has said.

Dementia Jersey has launched its Boost Your Brain campaign to promote how being social and exercising your mind and body can make a "significant difference".

The charity said dementia was the fastest growing disease affecting over 65s in Jersey but 45% of cases could be avoided with small changes to people's lifestyles such as eating healthily and doing brain training exercises.

Claudine Snape, chief executive of the charity, said the campaign would be the biggest it had run with an online brain health quiz, information stalls and talks at schools included in the project.

The campaign, which is being supported by Public Health, urges people to focus on three areas - loving your heart, staying sharp and keeping connected.

The charity said research had shown keeping healthy and active, regularly challenging your brain and keeping in contact with others could reduce the chances of being diagnosed with dementia.

Dementia Jersey said activities that could help lower the chances of getting the disease included being physically active, learning a language and having regular meetings with friends.

Ms Snape said a generous benefactor had allowed the charity to boost the campaign and the number of activities involved with it.

"This is the biggest campaign we've ever run, but it's such an important message that it's possible to reduce your risk of dementia that we need to think big," she added.

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