Care Experts Welcome Report Highlighting That Healthy Lifestyles Reduce Dementia Risk

Experts at a leading care provider have welcomed the latest report highlighting the positive impact a healthy lifestyle has on reducing the risk of dementia.

‘Dementia and Risk Reduction: An analysis of protective and modifiable factors’ was published by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) yesterday, and concludes that dementia risk can be modified through increased physical activity, a healthier diet, a challenged mind and better treatment for hypertension and high cholesterol.

The findings come after ADI, the international federation of Alzheimer associations across the world, commissioned a group of researchers, led by Professor Martin Prince from King’s College London to conduct the study.

National care home provider Hill Care has for years championed the significance of a healthy lifestyle in reducing the risks of Dementia and welcomes the latest report.

Wendy Waddicor, Managing Director at Hill Care, said: “The World Alzheimer’s Report 2014 reiterates the need for people of all ages to take part in activities that invigorate the mind and body in order to reduce the risk of developing Dementia.

“At Hill Care we ensure all of our residents enjoy a full programme of activities which offer them both physical and mental stimulation. These activities are designed to be both enjoyable for the residents and to help prevent the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s with many of them containing elements of nostalgia and reminiscence, such as tea dances or days themed around childhood memories.

“The study urges for non-chronic disease programmes to be more inclusive of older people and we support this whole-heartedly through the care that we offer.”

Hill Care homes provide monthly activities schedules which include regular chair exercise sessions, games nights and evenings of live music.

Each home also has a designated activities co-ordinator who organises days out and arranges for speakers and entertainers to visit the homes.

Hill Care also supports Dementia Awareness and Nutrition and Hydration Week, and host events during to remind staff and residents of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.