Act Now with six steps

ADOPTING a healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life by up to 60%.

That’s according to the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales, which are encouraging people to take six steps to reduce their chances of getting dementia.

The six steps, which spell out “Act Now”, include: Active (physically and socially) Check your health regularly Try new things No to smoking Only drink alcohol within the guidelines, if at all

Watch your weight

Minister for Social Services & Public Health Rebecca Evans AM said: “The risk of dementia increases with age and as more people are living longer, the number of people developing dementia will grow.

“These are simple steps that people can take not only to reduce the dementia risk, but other conditions including cancer, heart disease and stroke.

“The message is clear – don’t wait; act now to reduce your risk.”

One person who is determined to keep active to help reduce his dementia risk is 47-year-old Norman Parselle, from Newport.

Norman lost both his mother and his father to dementia and is keen for others to follow his lead to a more healthy lifestyle to reduce their dementia risk.

Norman said: “When my parents were alive, my family made a big effort to make sure that they stayed active.

“Even when their dementia got quite bad, we would take them out and about.

“They played skittles regularly and always had music on at home. We managed to keep them living at home until the last six months before they died, so they could lead as normal a life as possible.

“Who knows what’s around the corner for any of us? But I do know that lack of physical activity, isolation and depression can contribute to the decline of people with dementia, so keeping fit and active and socialising with friends may reduce the risk of getting dementia, and stave it off for as long as possible.

“That’s why, seeing how the disease affected my parents, I decided to get involved with my local walking football club in Newport.

“About 20 of us regularly play on a Monday night, 6pm-7pm, in the sports hall at Llanwern High School.

“I enjoy the banter and camaraderie that we have, and it still has an element of lighthearted competitiveness, keeps me fit, and is lots of fun.”

A 10-day roadshow took place across Wales in February to provide help and advice on how people can reduce their risk of dementia.