Featured In: The Coalville Times, Friday, 25th November 2022

HEALTH MATTERS WITH DR Hanna Robbins

January 21st - Race against Dementia Day

About Dementia

IT’S normal for memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, illness and sometimes by medicines. It’s also normal for memory, and our ability to plan and organise, to gradually become a bit less sharp as we get older.

Dementia is more than this. It is a group of symptoms including problems with memory, thinking, language, and changes in mood and emotions. It may affect a person’s grasp on reality, and they may see, hear and think things that don’t tie in with what’s really happening. Sometimes, dementia affects mostly personality and behaviour. It gets worse over time. There are different types of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.

If you or someone close to you see these changes, so that it affects daily life, especially if over the age of 65, it might be worth talking to your GP surgery.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO REDUCE OUR RISK OF DEMENTIA?

• Be physically active
• Aim for 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week
• Aim to do strength-building exercise twice a week (light hand weights, or carry- ing the shopping)
• Keep alcohol to safe levels (up to 14 pints of beer, or up to 1.5 bottles of wine per week)
• Stop smoking
• Eat a healthy diet including fruit, veg, and fish
• Exercise your mind – puzzles, crosswords, reading, arts and craft, games, learning something new
• Be social – do things with other people

Race Against Dementia is a charity to raise awareness and funds for dementia treatments. It was set up by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE since his wife was diagnosed with dementia. He works with Formula 1 leaders to drive new ideas in dementia re-search. Race Against Dementia Day takes place on 21st January each year, which is Lady Stewart’s birthday.