Social Care News

Dementia tops list of health worries in Wales according to new survey: act now to reduce risk

Around eight in 10 people worry about developing dementia in Wales and four in 10 think if someone in their family has dementia they may develop it too, according to a survey published today.

The Welsh Government survey shows 76 per cent of people in Wales are worried about developing dementia in later life but almost half of those surveyed (48%) believe there is nothing they can do to reduce the risk of developing dementia. There are currently 42,000 people aged 30 or over are currently living with dementia in Wales. 

However evidence shows that a healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk by up to 60% and the Minister for Health and Social Services, Mark Drakeford, launched a new campaign designed to helped everyone in Wales take simple steps to reduce their risk of developing dementia.

People are being encouraged to act to reduce their risk as the risk of developing dementia increases with age – as more people are living longer, the number of people developing dementia will grow.

These six simple steps could help reduce your risk of dementia

The campaign calls on us to:

• Active (physically and socially)
• Check your health regularly
• Try new things
• Say No to smoking
• Only drink alcohol within the recommended guidelines, if at all
• Watch your weight

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Welsh Government: New campaign launched as dementia tops the list of health worries in Wales

WalesOnline: Are you worried about developing dementia later in life?