Millions snub free 20 minute health check that could spot dementia early
MILLIONS of over-40s have snubbed a free national health check which could reduce the risk of dementia.
Only half of the 15 million people eligible have taken the 20 minute test, according to NHS England.
The test also screens for heart problems, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease remained the leading cause of death in England and Wales in 2017, accounting for nearly 13 per cent of all registered deaths, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Someone who has had a stroke, or has diabetes or heart disease, is around twice as likely to develop vascular dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Society.
"The start of a new year is exactly the right time to commit to taking a simple, free and potentially life-saving step towards a healthier life," said Alistair Burns, national clinical director for dementia at NHS England.
Everyone aged between 40 and 74 with no pre-existing health conditions is automatically eligible for the check, which happens every five years.
It is part of the NHS in England's goal of improving early diagnosis of dementia.
Laura Phipps, head of communications at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "There is good evidence to suggest that what's good for the heart is also good for the brain, but while 77 per cent people believe they can reduce their risk of heart disease, only 34 per cent of people know they can reduce their risk of dementia.
"Research shows that midlife is a crucial time to take action that will help maintain a healthy brain into later life. With dementia now the UK's leading cause of death, we must encourage everyone to take positive steps to maintain good brain health throughout life and into older age."
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Jamie Waterall, who leads on the programme at Public Health England, said: "The NHS health check looks at the top causes of premature death and ill health but more importantly supports people to take action of reducing their risk of preventable conditions such as dementia and heart disease."
The national target of ensuring at least two-thirds of people living with dementia are diagnosed and treated has been met for the past two years, NHS England said.
Information about the health check can be found on the NHS UK website.
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