Experts Reach Consensus On Dementia Prevention Agenda

A group of UK experts – including public health practitioners, policy makers, charities and researchers – has reached a consensus on the need for a new agenda to boost dementia prevention. The Blackfriars Consensus on Promoting Brain Health, backed by 59 organisations and experts, calls for action on risk reduction and further research into preventions for the condition.

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity, said:
“Alzheimer’s Research UK is pleased to be a part of this consensus, which will help shape a new approach to boost research to understand more about how we may be able to prevent dementia.

“While we don’t yet have a sure-fire prevention for dementia, there is good evidence to show that lifestyle can play a part in our risk, and we know that good vascular health is important for keeping our brains healthy. Continued investment in research is crucial to gain a clearer picture of the risk factors and understand how to protect against dementia; meanwhile existing evidence can help empower people now to take measures to lower their risk.

“Adopting a healthy lifestyle is good for our general health, and evidence also shows we can reduce the risk of dementia by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, not smoking, and keeping blood pressure and weight in check.”