A NEW initiative that aims to reduce the risk of developing dementia by encouraging people to look after their "brain health", is being backed by Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams.

Think Brain Health, the new public awareness campaign by Alzheimer’s Research UK, follows findings that up to 40 per cent of dementia cases can be delayed or prevented according to latest research.

Alzheimer’s Research UK estimate there are currently around 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, a figure projected to rise to 1 million by 2025.

Ms Abrahams, said: “We need to find a way to transform the way people think about reducing the risk of developing dementia and prompt them to consider the changes that could improve their health.

“Your brain is amazing. Made up of around 100 billion nerve cells, it controls your movement, your emotions and stores your precious memories, as well as making sure our heart beats automatically and we don’t have to think about breathing. It takes care of the small things too, like helping you find your keys in the morning.

“Sadly, the physical diseases that cause dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease, can take all of this away by damaging these cells and the connections between them.

“The good news is you can take steps to keep your brain healthy, just as you. And the more physically fit your brain is, the harder it can be for these diseases to take hold.”

Think Brain Health, gives people easy-to-follow advice about how to keep their brain in peak condition throughout their life.

Three basic tips include: taking care of your heart, as what’s good for your heart is good for your brain, staying sharp by challenging your brain, and keeping connected through social activity even if it’s just over the phone or zoom.