Ben Lake MP supports Alzheimer’s Research UK’s campaign to improve the public’s brain health

A new public awareness campaign from Alzheimer’s Research UK – aimed at encouraging people to look after their brain health throughout life to reduce the risk of dementia – is being backed by Ceredigion MP Ben Lake.
The Think Brain Health campaign has been launched by the UK’s leading dementia research charity to help the public understand the potential for them to reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Up to 40% of global dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed by healthy lifestyle changes, according to a 2020 report from the Lancet Commission, yet research from Alzheimer’s Research UK reveals that only 34% of the public believe they can reduce their risk of dementia.
The Think Brain Health initiative offers easy to follow advice about how you can look after your brain throughout your life. The campaign focuses on three simple rules – love your heart, stay sharp and keep connected. Tips include taking regular exercise and eating a healthy balanced diet, staying mentally active, and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and weight in check.
Ben Lake MP has vowed to do what they can to raise much-needed awareness of the campaign in their constituency.
Almost one million people in the UK living with dementia today, and more than half of people in Ceredigion will know someone with the condition. Despite this, there are currently no treatments to slow, stop or prevent the diseases, most commonly Alzheimer’s, that cause dementia. Alzheimer’s Research UK is dedicated to finding ways to better understand, diagnose, treat and reduce the risk of dementia.
Ben Lake MP said: “Tragically, many people in Ceredigion will be aware of the devastating impact dementia has on individuals and their families. It is vital we do all we can to spare people from this condition and that’s why I fully support Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign.”
“We can all play our part in promoting and improving our brain health. I will be exercising more and making more effort to maintain my social connections in order to reduce my risk of dementia, and I hope many more people will do the same to look after their brain health.”
Susan Mitchell, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re delighted that Ben Lake MP is backing our Think Brain Health campaign.
“The case for risk reduction has never been stronger: we know up to 40% of global dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed so there is a need to transform the way people think about dementia risk reduction.
“His backing can help get the message across to the public that they can take positive steps to look after their brains throughout life and ultimately, reduce their risk of dementia. Keeping mentally and physically active, eating a healthy diet, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check are just some of the things we can do to keep our brains healthy as we age.
“Support from MPs will help us as we look to work with the government to develop a brain health strategy which should include a commitment to implement cost-effective interventions to address the risk factors that have the greatest impact on the risk of developing dementia.”