People in East Sussex can get advice on dementia risk as part of free NHS Health Checks on offer in the county.

More than half of adults name dementia as one of their top three health worries, but 28 per cent are unaware of the risk factors for the condition, which in a third of cases may be prevented through lifestyle changes.

As part of the NHS Health Check, healthcare professionals will advise patients how to reduce their risk of developing the condition, such as by keeping mentally and physically active, maintaining their social life and stopping smoking.

The health checks – on offer in GP surgeries and in the community to adults aged 40 to 74 – also help  identify early signs of heart and kidney disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, with the prevention advice being much the same as for dementia: ‘what’s good for the heart is good for the brain’.

Data published this week shows that to date over 90,000 people in East Sussex have had their  NHS Health Check and received personalised advice on the steps they can take to improve their health – outperforming all other authorities in the South East  .

Wendy Meredith, East Sussex interim director of public health, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people taking action to reduce their risk of developing serious conditions.

“The success of the programme in East Sussex is testament to the hard work of General Practice staff and community and workplace providers working together to ensure the check is easily accessible for those who need it most”.

“Dementia is a major concern for people, and the NHS Health Check offers a key benefit to help people understand what they can do for themselves to reduce their risk of developing the condition.”

The free NHS Health Check is offered to eligible patients by their GP surgery once every five years, and in targeted community locations across East Sussex.

Anyone who has not yet received their check in the last five years should contact their GP or One You East Sussex at https://oneyoueastsussex.org.uk

Further information about NHS Health Checks is available at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/healthchecks/