Alzheimer’s Research UK has developed a brain check tool.
(Picture: Robina Weermeijer/Unsplash)People of all ages are being urged to take better care of their brains to try to lower their chance of developing dementia.
To encourage people to do more for their brain health, Alzheimer's Research UK has developed a new application that tests this and offers advice on how to keep your mind sharp, stay active, and socialise.
The brain check, which has been developed following the most recent research, is available to everyone who wants to learn how to reduce their personal risk of dementia.
The target audience is mostly people between the ages of 40 and 50, as this is considered to be a crucial time to take preventative measures to maintain brain function.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a word used to describe the poor memory, thinking, or decision-making that interferes with performing daily tasks rather than a specific disease.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, which affects nearly one million people in the UK and 55 million worldwide.
As people live longer and their chance of developing dementia increases with age, the numbers are expected to increase significantly over the next few decades. The strongest known risk factor for dementia is increasing age, with most cases affecting those aged 65 or older.
What is the brain check-up tool to lower the risk of dementia?
This can be found on the Alzheimer’s Research UK website.
The check-in is not an assessment or any sort of diagnostic test. Instead, it asks questions about your everyday life, giving you a clearer picture of what you’re already doing well and where you may be able to make improvements to benefit your brain.
It takes about 10 minutes to complete. At the end, you’ll see your results and personalised guidance.
Other ways to reduce risk of dementia
Experts advise people to quit smoking, do regular exercise, cut back on alcohol and challenge your brain daily.
Lack of regular exercise can raise your risk of dementia as well as heart disease, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are connected to increased dementia risk.
The NHS recommends follow the recommended guidelines of doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling or dancing. Additionally, aim to do strengthening exercises at least twice a week, such as gardening or yoga.
Follow the guidelines for men and women to consume no more than 14 units of alcohol each week. If you typically use up to 14 units per week, you should spread out your consumption over 3 or more days and take several days off from alcohol each week.
On top of reading, solving puzzles and riddles, engage in mentally stimulating conversations and be socially active to keep brain activity going.
