Regular video calls help with lifestyle changes to reduce dementia risk

A UCL-led dementia prevention programme which helped older adults make lifestyle changes to support their health in a pilot study, is now recruiting hundreds of people with memory problems to take part. The programme involves people taking part in 10 video calls to learn as a group how to make changes that could reduce their dementia risk, such as increasing physical activity, reducing smoking, taking care of their general health and doing more engaging activities. Participants from the pilot found the group dynamic helpful as they supported each other in achieving their goals. The group intervention was developed as part of APPLE Tree ( Active Prevention in People at risk of dementia through Lifestyle, bEhaviour change and Technology to build REsiliEnce) , a £3.9m ESRC/NIHR-funded programme which aims to impact the half of older people (aged 60+) who have problems with cognition (memory, orientation and other thinking), and therefore a greater chance of developing dementia. Simple lifestyle and behaviour interventions may be able to delay or even prevent the onset of dementia, prolonging independent living, and increasing quality of life. These include: Being more socially and mentally active Eating more healthily Being more physically active Looking after one's mental and physical health Stopping smoking Reducing alcohol consumption For the pilot programme, 12 participants were invited to 10 group Zoom calls, between July and September 2020, to plan lifestyle changes they could make to reduce dementia risk.