Take action in your 40s to prevent dementia

High blood pressure is a particular danger sign which could trigger dementia in later years, advised Emma Dickinson, commissioning manager at Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group.

Her warning came as councillors on the adult social care scrutiny board discussed support for people with dementia in the city.

Ms Dickinson said: “Poor lifestyle, in particular, high blood pressure, heart and circulation problems can have an affect.

“Along with the public health messages we already do about preventing heart attacks and strokes, we should also be saying a healthy lifestyle can prevent dementia. That message is not well understood and we are keen to get it out.”

Councillors discussed how people with dementia and relatives who care for them could be better supported.

Coun Dianne Hurst said: “My mother in law has dementia and has lived with it for six years and while she doesn’t always know what is going on, the care that she gets is built around her. We are able to be involved in that as her family.”