Supporting brain and hearing health in Richmond upon Thames

Dementia is a condition that affects nearly every family, neighbourhood and workplace, with over 980,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Read more to learn what we're doing in Richmond upon Thames.

In 2023, there were an estimated 2,428 adults aged 65 and over living with dementia in Richmond upon Thames. This figure is projected to rise by 58% to an estimated 3,846 by 2040. While around 1,500 have a formal diagnosis, a significant proportion (approximately 31%) of cases are estimated to remain undiagnosed.

World Alzheimer’s Month is an opportunity to understand how lifestyle choices can help reduce dementia risk including checking hearing.

There is growing evidence about the link between adult-onset hearing loss and cognitive decline and recognition for individuals to treat hearing health as a key part of brain health, not just a symptom of ageing.

Councillor Clare Vollum, Deputy Mayor and Dementia Champion said:

"We're learning more about how hearing loss can impact brain function. Simple actions like getting a hearing check can help prevent further cognitive decline and ensure people get the support they need to continue to participate in daily life. Better hearing supports better living by improving communication, social engagement and quality of life."

Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Services Committee and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board added:

"We're proud to support services that empower people to take control of their wellbeing. Prevention for dementia and other health conditions starts with awareness, and hearing health is a vital part of that."

Reduce your risk

There are other things we can do throughout life to help reduce the risk of developing dementia: the earlier in life that healthy changes are made, the greater the likelihood of reducing the risk of dementia, disability, and frailty.

Eight key lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of dementia include:

• Staying physically active
• Eating a balanced diet
• Keeping mentally stimulated
• Maintaining good hearing
• Managing weight
• Reducing alcohol intake
• Quitting smoking
• Staying socially connected

These simple steps can make a meaningful difference in reducing the risk of developing dementia later in life.

Learn about lowering your risk of dementia through healthy lifestyle choices.

Supporting brain health

Richmond upon Thames is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to live healthier lives and reduce their risk of dementia, supported by a wide range of local services and resources.

These support services include:

• Hearing health tips and check your hearing in three minutes online hearing checks through RNID
• Free NHS Health Checks (for eligible residents aged 40 to 74) these include blood pressure checks and personalised advice
• Weight management support groups
• Support to stop smoking with one-to-one help from our Stop Smoking Service
• Alcohol guidance using tools like Richmond Drink Checker

A more dementia-friendly Richmond

Now in its fourth year, the Dementia Friendly Richmond (DFR) initiative has grown to 117 local organisations, with our leisure services actively taking action to become more dementia friendly as part of their commitment to the scheme in part two of the Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough action plan.

Learn more about the work and support of Dementia Friendly Richmond or come and chat to friendly local organisations at the Full of Life Fair on 24 October at Twickenham Stadium.

Representatives from Age UK Richmond, Social-Ability, Alzheimer’s Society and Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust (Dementia Community Service) will be available to offer guidance, resources and support. Details and registration are available on our website.

Further information

Head to our website to learn more about dementia prevention and risk reduction or to understand how you can support someone with dementia.

Join a free online Dementia Friends Information Sessions, which offer practical advice and insights into how to better support people with dementia.

The Dementia Services Directory is a valuable resource which gives information on local and national dementia support services and resources. It also provides a prompt for when you start to think and talk about what matters to you to live well with dementia.