Although there is no certain way to prevent all types of dementia, we do know that 40% of worldwide diagnoses are preventable. Many steps can be taken throughout life to lower our chances of developing dementia. This week is Brain Awareness Week and we challenge you to think about what you could do to protect your brain health. Here, Kaye Nicolson shares what brain health means to her.
The dark nights and cold weather don’t always provide the best motivation to get outside and exercise in the early months of the year.
So signing up to the Inverness Half Marathon was just the push I needed to get training, whatever the weather. It also gave me a chance to carve out some welcome headspace in an ever busy life. And on Sunday, the training paid off - I hit a PB (shout out to the many runners who were sporting Alzheimer Scotland vests and raising money for this wonderful cause)!
We often think about how keeping fit and eating well is good for our hearts and lungs, but what about our brains? After seeing two of my grandparents live with dementia, I take comfort in the small steps I can take to help prevent illness further down the line – everything from getting enough sleep, to reading a good book, to keeping a consistent exercise routine.
This Brain Awareness Week, I hope the message reaches as many people as possible - to take time for yourself, and when you're thinking about your health, don't forget to look after your brain
