Staying healthy
Leading a healthy lifestyle can help to protect against cognitive decline. When someone has dementia, it's important that they remain as fit and healthy as possible - both physically and mentally. The better a person feels, the better life will be for them and those around them.
Physical exercise is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells. It also can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, and thereby protect against those risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Social activity not only makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, it can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells.
Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells.
In order to stay healthy it is important to eat balanced meals, drink plenty of fluids, sleep well and take regular physical exercise. Visiting primary care regularly means that other health problems or those that could make dementia appear worse can be recognised and treated at an ealry stage so avoiding complications and risk of admission to hospital.
Resources
- Dementia: Reduce your risk in 6 stepsApril 23 2018This document outlines 6 steps that people can take to improve both physical and mental health and significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia.
- Active Minds – dementia activity resourcesFebruary 5 2016Active Minds produce a suite of activity products to assist people with dementia in leading active, engaging and fulfilling lives - enjoying activities that are meaningful to them.
- Fulfilled Lives, Supportive Communities: A Strategy for Social Services in Wales over the next decadeFebruary 21 2007This strategy describes how modern accessible and responsive social services, delivered flexibly, consistently and sustainably across organisational boundaries will contribute to a better Wales and to improving the lives of its citizens.
- The Daily SparkleFebruary 5 2016The Daily Sparkle is a professionally written daily and weekly reminiscence and activity tool supported by the UK's leading care organisations such as the NHS, AgeUK and DementiaUK.
- Dementia rarely travels alone: living with dementia and other conditionsApril 20 2016This report published by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dementia examines the scale of difficulty faced by people living with both dementia and other health conditions, and how the health and social care system can provide holistic, person-centred care and support for this growing body of people.
- Prevalence of dementia in population groups by protected characteristics: a systematic review of the literatureOctober 2 2015This literature review published by Public Health England examines evidence on how the prevalence of dementia varies with different characteristics, such as ethnicity, gender and religion.
- Helping your loved one with dementia eat wellMay 20 2016This infographic published by Bupa UK offers some pointers for carers and relatives on how to help people with dementia to eat well so that they remain healthy and can continue to remain independent in their own home.
- Cataracts and dementia factsheetJune 25 2013The information in this factsheet will help people in with both dementia and sight loss and how to help someone with dementia cope with surgery.
- Spirituality and ageing: implications for the care and support of older peopleJanuary 22 2013This briefing paper published the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services explores why our ageing population requires person-centred care and developmental support in order to maximise its chances of ageing well.
- Eye examinations for people with dementia factsheetNovember 10 2014This factsheet provides information on eye examinations for people with dementia. It will be useful for people with dementia, their families, carers and professionals.
- Wearing glasses with dementia factsheetThis factsheet is about the issues people with dementia who need to wear glasses may face. It will be useful for people with dementia, their families, carers and professionals.
- Tailored resource for carers and care providers on supporting people to live well with dementiaSeptember 16 2015This resource published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) highlights the key messages from 10 quality statements which form the quality standard for supporting people to live well with dementia and shows what they mean for carers and care providers.
- Mental Health Act 1983: Code of PracticeJanuary 16 2015The revised code of practice shows professionals how to carry out their roles and responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983, to ensure that all patients receive high quality and safe care.
- Dementia ConnectApril 26 2018Dementia Connect is Alzheimer's Society's comprehensive services directory for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia 2020February 21 2015The Prime Minister recently launched the government’s five year vision for the future of dementia care, support and research, which follows on from the existing Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia, launched in March 2012.
- Reading well books on prescription for dementiaFebruary 4 2015The Reading well books on prescription for dementia scheme is available in public libraries as part of a national library strategy to support the development of dementia-friendly communities and build understanding and awareness of the condition.
- Caring for someone with dementiaNovember 20 2019Caring for someone with dementia is a comprehensive booklet published by Age UK, whose network includes Age Cymru in Wales.
- QS30: Supporting people to live well with dementiaApril 3 2013This quality standard, published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), covers the care and support of people with dementia.
- CMG48: Support for commissioning of dementia careThis guidance produced by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) summarises the key commissioning issues and the resource impact that will arise from implementing improvements in the quality of care for people with dementia, in line with the statements and measures that comprise the NICE quality standards for dementia.
- The Sound Doctor: Getting the best out of life with dementiaMarch 23 2015The Sound Doctor is a website full of films developed to help individuals, their relatives and carers to better understand the condition so that they can all take control and get the most out of life.
- Blackfriars Consensus on promoting brain healthMay 3 2014The Blackfriars Consensus, published by the UK Health Forum and Public Health England, explores the potential for incorporation of dementia risk reduction into current approaches for non-communicable diseases.
- Dewis CymruApril 27 2018Dewis Cymru is a website that provides information and advice about well-being. In addition to health information, Dewis Cymru provides information about people and services in your area that can help you with the things that matter to you.
- Dementia Peer Support Resource PackApril 24 2015This resource pack, published by the Health Innovation Network, the Academic Health Science Network for South London, aims to promote and encourage more peer support opportunities for people with dementia.
- Supporting a person with dementiaOctober 16 2014This Easy Read factsheet published by the the Alzheimer's Society provides advice for someone with learning disabilities who may have a friend or relative with dementia.
- No Secrets: guidance on protecting vulnerable adults in careJanuary 22 2015This guidance document published by the Department of Health sets out a code of practice for the protection of vulnerable adults in care.
- Dementia and comorbidities: Ensuring parity of careApril 14 2016This report published by the International Longevity Centre demonstrates that a failure to prevent, diagnose, and treat depression, diabetes and urinary tract infections in people with dementia could be costing the UK’s health and social care system up to nearly £1 billion per year.
- How would I know? What can I do?December 6 2012This guide, developed by the National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC), provides advice for carers and those who work with people with dementia on how to help with pain and distress in people with the condition.
- Good to go: A guide to dementia-friendly days outApril 28 2015This handbook published by Care UK aims to support carers relatives and friends who want to enjoy a variety of outings and trips with someone living with dementia.
- A practical guide to healthy ageingOctober 1 2015This guide published by NHS England and Age UK contains advice to help improve the health and general fitness of people of any age, but it is particularly relevant for people who are about 70 years or older.
- Dementia Action Plan for Wales 2018 – 2022November 20 2019The Welsh government have adopted the Dementia Action Plan for Wales 2018 - 2022, with Vaughan Gething, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, stating that, "Our vision is for Wales to be a dementia friendly nation that recognises the rights of people with dementia to feel valued and to live as independently as possible in their communities."
- Independent Living Equipment in GwentNovember 1 2019Cefndy-Medequip work with local authorities and the NHS to provide the community equipment service in Gwent. They specialise in aids and equipment for the home, mobility, bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen and dining, living room and outdoors. Their catalogue has a section called "Dementia Friendly Collection".
- Living with early-stage dementiaNovember 20 2019Living with early-stage dementia is a comprehensive guide published by Age UK, also known as Age Cymru in Wales.
- Living with Dementia – 51 Tips to Help You With Daily LivingJune 26 2019In this in-depth infographic and article UK Care Guide offers a range of tips of advice to help people to live well with dementia.
- Mouth care for people living with dementiaNovember 20 2019Mouth care for people living with dementia is a leaflet published by Aneurin Bevan Community Dental Service to provide information for carers.
Information includes: mouth care, diet, brushing teeth and gums, denture care, and visiting the dentist.
- Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementiaMay 14 2019The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia provide evidence-based recommendations on lifestyle behaviours and interventions to delay or prevent cognitive decline and dementia.
- Useful tips on the COVID-19 vaccine for people with dementiaJanuary 25 2021This briefing developed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, working with Dementia UK, includes useful tips for giving the COVID-19 vaccine without causing distress and how to explain the vaccination to someone who is living with dementia.
Show all
Groups
- Malpas Court dementia cafeThe Malpas Court dementia cafe provides information about living with dementia and other services available locally in an informal and comfortable environment.Malpas Court, Oliphant Circle, Newport, NP20 6AD01633 665110
- Time-Out Social CentreCrossroads Care South East Wales runs a social centre in Newport so that carers can benefit from some respite.Kensington Court Day Centre, Oaklands Road, Newport, NP19 8GQ01495 769996https://www.carers.org
- Looking after me courseThe Education Programme for Patients Cymru runs a course specifically for those people who care for someone else with a long term health condition.Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO), Ty Derwen, Church Road, Casnewydd, NP19 7EJ01633 241550https://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/home.cfm?orgid=537
- Alzheimer’s Society WalesAlzheimer’s Society is the leading care and research charity for people with dementia their families
and carers. The Alzheimer's Society Wales provides a wide range of services to support people living with dementia and their carers.S4C, Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5DU, UK0333 150 3456sdareaoffice-southwales@alzheimers.org.ukhttps://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents.php?categoryID=200139
- RevitaliseRevitalise is a national charity providing short breaks and holidays (respite care) for disabled people and carers. We also offer inspirational opportunities for volunteers through one of the largest, most diverse volunteer programmes in the UK.212 Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, N1 0QH0303 303 0147info@revitalise.org.ukhttps://revitalise.org.uk/
- Dementia AdventureDementia Adventure is a charity dedicated to bringing the benefits of nature based activities and adventures into the lives of more people living with dementia. Unit 11, Old Park Farm, Main Road, Ford End, Essex, CM3 1LN01245 237548info@dementiaadventure.co.uk https://www.dementiaadventure.co.uk/
- The ExtraCare Charitable TrustThe ExtraCare Charitable Trust ia a not for profit developer and operator of ExtraCare Villages and Housing schemes which has retirement villages and housing schemes across the Midlands and North. ExtraCare's award-winning Enriched Opportunities Programme® (EOP) supports residents with dementia and dementia-related conditions.7 Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Coventry, CV3 2SN024 7650 6011betterlives@extracare.org.ukhttps://www.extracare.org.uk
- Carers TrustCarers Trust works to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.32-36 Loman Street, London, SE1 0EH0844 800 4361info@carers.orghttps://www.carers.org
- Dementia Services Development CentreThe Dementia Services Development Centre is an international centre of knowledge and expertise dedicated to improving the lives of people with dementia.Iris Murdoch Building, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland01786 467740https://www.dementia.stir.ac.uk
- Goldies Cymru – Singing and Activity GroupsPutting smiles on hundreds of faces through our daytime singing and activity sessions. Many new sessions are specifically for People living with Dementia.Caerleon library, Newport, UK07796 714816rachel@goldiescymru.org.ukhttps://www.goldiescymru.org.uk/eng/where/
- Sporting Memories NetworkThe Sporting Memories Network, also known as Replay, is a national charity which promotes the use of sporting memories to improve the wellbeing of older people and to tackle dementia, depression and social isolation.Orchard House, Long Street, Topcliffe. North Yorkshire, YO7 3RLadmin@sportingmemoriesnetwork.comhttps://sportingmemoriesnetwork.com
- Carers DirectCarers Direct offer a helpline for carers that need help with their caring role and want to talk to someone about what options are available to them. PO Box 27079, Glasgow, G3 9EJ0300 123 1053https://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/carerslives/updates/Pages/CarersDirecthelpline.aspx
- The National Valuing Families ForumThe National Valuing Families Forum brings together a network of regional family carer organisations to consult and feed into government policy and legislation affecting those with learning disabilities and their families.32-36 Loman Street, London, SE1 0EHrhannan@carers.orghttps://professionals.carers.org/health/the-national-valuing-families-forum,7028,PR.html
- Newport & County Horticultural Society – Winter Afternoon Talks & Summer Garden VisitsDo you garden? Do you love other people’s gardens? Then Newport & County Horticultural Society could be the very thing for you. Winter Afternoon Talks & Summer Garden Visits. For further information contact: Tel: 01633 274527 or Email: mgthomas@btinternet.comNewport, Wales, UK01633 274527mgthomas@btinternet.com
- The Reading AgencyThe Reading Agency is a charity working to inspire more people to read more, encourage them to share their enjoyment of reading and celebrate the difference that reading makes to all our lives. Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3GA0207 324 2544info@readingagency.org.ukhttps://readingagency.org.uk/
- The Reader OrganisationThe Reader Organisation is a charitable social enterprise working to connect people with literature through shared reading. The older people and dementia work programme uses shared reading to improve quality of life and care for people living with dementia and their carers.Calderstones Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool, L18 3JB0151 729 2200info@thereader.org.ukhttps://www.thereader.org.uk/
- The Disabled Parents NetworkThe Disabled Parents Network is a National network of Disabled Parents, helping each other and bringing about change for disabled people who are parents or who hope to become parents, their families, friends and supporters.Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 4TP07817 300 103https://www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk
- Arts 4 DementiaArts 4 Dementia helps develop activities at arts venues to re-energise and inspire people in the early stages of dementia and their carers. The Music Base, King's Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG020 7520 1492info@arts4dementia.org.ukhttps://www.arts4dementia.org.uk/
- ThriveThrive is the leading charity in the UK using gardening to change the lives of disabled people. Thrive run structured programmes of activities for people with dementia which focus on positive reminiscence, re-connecting with others including friends and family and gentle appropriate exercise and cognitive stimulationThe Geoffrey Udall Centre, Beech Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 2AT0118 988 5688info@thrive.org.ukhttps://www.thrive.org.uk/
- Cuppa & ChatOn your own? Pop in for a cuppa and chat at The Riverfront Cafe Newport. Every Tuesday anytime between 10am – 1pm because everything is better together.The Riverfront Cafe Newport Wales
- “Zest for Life” – Young Onset Dementia ServiceWe are a supportive group for younger individuals. Suitable for those living with young onset dementia or cognitive impairment. We welcome individuals and carers across Gwent.
Weekly Friday drop-in groupWiddershins Centre, East Ave, Griffithstown, Pontypool NP4 5AB01495 769264
Show all