Dementia prevention: some simple tips to help reduce the risk of memory loss
It’s never too early or too late to change your habits! Whether facing a dementia diagnosis or not, there are many steps we can all take this Dementia Action Week (19-25 May 2025) to improve our brain health and reduce our risk of memory loss.
Eat well for a better brain
With or without a dementia diagnosis, scientists now know there’s plenty we can do to hold back a decline in our thinking skills. Simply maintaining a healthy weight and eating the right foods can reduce the risk of memory loss.
It’s never too late to change your habits, so check out Age UK Barnet’s cookery classes for over 55s and learn to make healthy, easy home-cooked dishes or visit yourhealthbarnet.org/gobean for healthy recipes and tips to eat well.
It’s wise to socialise
Research shows that joining groups, meeting up with others and seeing friends is good for our brains – with or without a dementia diagnosis.
Check out activities and clubs for over 55s in the borough or visit yourhealthbarnet.org/get-involved
Try Something New
Scientists now know that challenging ourselves can slow memory decline and increase the number of brain cells - with or without a dementia diagnosis!!
Need ideas? Check out:
- Age UK Barnet’s age-friendly guide to activities for over 55s
- Barnet Libraries Loving Life programme
- or visit yourhealthbarnet.org/try-something-new-to-find-your-feel-good.
Healthy Heart
Scientists now know there's a strong link between the heart and brain health and taking steps to improve your heart health can dramatically reduce the risk of dementia! Getting active and improving your diet can support your heart health. Check out Barnet’s Healthy Heart programme or visit Age UK Barnet and Fit & Active Barnet for fitness classes for over 55s of all abilities.
Hearing
The greater your hearing loss, the higher your risk of dementia. If you’re worried about your hearing, see your GP about getting your hearing tested. Check out the Age UK guide to hearing loss.
Stop Smoking
Smokers have a higher risk of dementia and quitting is the most important step you can take to protect your brain and heart. Contact the Barnet Stop Smoking Service for support to help you quit: yourhealthbarnet.org/stop-smoking
Sleep well for a better brain
Did you know that better sleep has been shown to reduce the risk of memory loss?
Regular exercise, eating well and being busy all help - check out Age UK Barnet’s tips to help boost your sleep regime and their What’s On guide for ideas to keep busy.
Beat stress
With or without a dementia diagnosis, another way to reduce the risk of memory loss is to tackle stress. Exercise, group activities and mindfulness can all help. Check out Age UK’s guide to activities for over 55s in Barnet and try some of these tips and resources to help reduce stress.
Get support
Visit yourhealthbarnet.org/dementia for local dementia support and services, sign up for free Understanding Dementia Training (open to anyone interested to learn more about dementia), and to learn more about the work Barnet is doing to become an even more Dementia Friendly borough.