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What is brain health?

Just like our body, we need to keep our brain healthy throughout our lives. A healthier brain makes it easier for us to make decisions, cope better with stress, and can help us live happier and healthier lives, both now and into the future.

What is dementia?

Dementia is the name given to a group of conditions that can affect the way we think and make sense in the world. This can include difficulties with memory, problem solving and speech. It might also involve changes in mood, especially when someone feels frightened and upset about what’s happening.

Dementia isn’t a natural part of ageing. For a long time, people thought that nothing could be done to prevent it or help people living with dementia. This isn’t true. We now know that we can reduce our risk of dementia with some lifestyle changes. With the right support, we also know that people can live well with dementia.

There are many risk factors for dementia. You cannot change some of these risk factors, such as getting older, but there are many ways you can change which might keep your brain healthy.

Key things to consider

  1. Staying active in whatever way works best for you is good for your heart and lungs. It is also good for your mental wellbeing and to keep you able to do everyday tasks.
  2. By eating a healthy, balanced diet you can reduce your risk of dementia, alongside other health conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity and stroke.
  3. Stop smoking, as it can harm your blood circulation to your brain, heart and lungs.
  4. Drink less alcohol because drinking too much exposes your brain to high levels of harmful chemicals.
  5. Engaging in mental and social activities helps your brain’s ability to cope with disease and stress. Keeping your mind active is good for the brain and reducing your risk of dementia.
  6. Get the help you need with your health. This includes going to annual health checks, managing any health conditions, and getting support for your mental health. Getting your hearing and vision checked regularly might decrease your risk of dementia.

What are the early signs of dementia?

Recognising the early signs of dementia and getting a diagnosis can mean there are more options for treatment and support available. These early signs might not necessarily be related to dementia and can be part of other physical and mental health problems instead, but it’s important to get them checked out.

Some of them might be things you notice, or that other people around you notice. Early warning signs might include difficulties with:

  • Forgetting things that have happened recently, or people’s names and faces
  • Carrying out familiar daily tasks, such as going to the shops
  • Following conversations and finding the right words or understanding them
  • Being confused in unfamiliar places
  • Completing tasks that need organisation, concentration and planning
  • Falling, or finding it more difficult to walk
  • Becoming more withdrawn or anxious
  • Seeing or hearing things that other people can’t
  • Saying things that other people find inappropriate
  • Changes in mood, and seeming more or less emotional.

These things might be better or worse throughout the day or week. They might develop suddenly, or gradually over time which can make them harder to recognise.

People often find these changes worrying or frightening, so might try to cope or hide them from other people. This might include not wanting to go out alone, trying to avoid being in groups of people, or letting other people talk for them. They might also become more tearful, anxious, or annoyed.

What should I do if I'm worried about dementia?

If you are worried about your memory, get it checked out. Problems with memory can be caused by many different physical and mental health problems. The first step is to go to your GP.

More information

Further information can be found about:

Our patients matter

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.

If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team

Telephone: 0151 471 2377 
Freephone: 0800 328 2941 
Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk

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Approval date: 2 July 2027

Review date: 3 July 2026

Version number: 1

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Further Information

More information about our dementia services can be found on our specialist webpage, which includes information about our memory services, support in your area and our comprehensive list of patient information guides.

Dementia Services