Dementia Awareness Week 2009

• Get involved in Dementia Awareness week 2010: 4 - 10 July 2010  alzheimers.org.uk/remembertheperson

Dementia Awareness Week 2009 is taking place in England and Wales between 5 - 11 July 2009 (Northern Ireland from 14 - 20 June 2009).

The campaign aims to raise awareness of dementia and how to reduce your risk, and to raise vital funds to support people with dementia and their carers.

Raising awareness - be head strong

This year's theme for Dementia Awareness Week is 'Be head strong'. It's about being aware of the things you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia.

What people may not know is that the things you can do to protect your heart, also reduce your risk of dementia. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and there are steps you can take at any age to help reduce your risk.

Our top tips for reducing risk:

1. Eat healthily - eat lots of fruit and vegetables and try to limit the number of high-fat, sugary and salty foods you eat.

2. Get active - try to exercise for 30 minutes at least five times a week.

3. Watch your blood pressure and cholesterol - ask your GP to check your blood pressure and cholesterol regularly. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help keep you within healthy limits.

4. Keep a healthy weight - nearly a quarter of all adults in the UK are obese. Obesity is linked to the development of dementia so it's important to keep in shape.

5. Don't smoke - smoking has an extremely harmful effect on the heart, lungs and blood system (including the blood system in the brain).

For more information on reducing your risk of dementia download our Be Head Strong guide

Raising money - Tea Days

Alzheimer's Society are looking for people to raise valuable funds for people with dementia and their carers by holding Tea Days.

Whether it's a tea break in the office, cream teas at the cafe or a tea dance at the town hall, hosting a Tea Day is an opportunity to get people to get together, learn about dementia and raise money for a worthy cause.

If you would like to find out more about holding or attending a local Tea Day please contact your local Alzheimer's Society branch

Downloads

• Please find all the fundraising materials you need to organise your Tea Day
• Be Head Strong guide