New guide to help reduce the risk of dementia

19 June 2024

A new resource to help residents of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan understand how to reduce their likelihood of developing dementia was launched during Dementia Action Week.

Called ‘Reducing your risk of developing dementia', the guide provides information about some of the risk factors associated with developing dementia and how making changes now can help keep your body healthy and prevent damage to your brain.

The guide, produced in partnership by Dementia Friendly Cardiff, Dementia Friendly Vale and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, was launched at a special Dementia Friendly Cardiff Festival at Llanover Hall.

A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: "Research shows that it is possible to reduce your likelihood of developing dementia and it‘s never too early or too late to take action.

"We hope that this guide helps raise awareness that making small lifestyle changes now can have a longer term impact on people's likelihood of developing dementia. The guide also signposts to local support and information that can help people to take the suggested actions."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: "Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK are impacted by dementia - it can affect anyone at any time.

"This is a fantastic resource which we have collaborated on and we hope that this will be valuable to residents across Cardiff and the Vale in demonstrating that even the smallest of lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your future health."

It will be available in Hubs and libraries, as well as other community locations, across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Executive Director of Public Health for Cardiff and Vale UHB, Claire Beynon, said: "It is so important to take care of your health. This resource highlights how we can all reduce our risk of dementia in the future by up to 40% by taking the simple steps in this guide."

This resource has been made possible through Welsh Government grant funding and the support of the Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Board.

You can read the guide here.