Keep mentally active

Keeping your brain active may help to build up your cognitive reserve and reduce changes in memory and thinking as you get older. Staying mentally active and challenging our brains can help protect our brain health as we age, reducing the risk of dementia.

In some studies, keeping mentally active delayed the onset of dementia by up to 5 years.

Looking for free brain-training activities?

Search online for “free puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, quizzes, memory games and brain-training” exercises using your web browser, or visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search for "free brain games" to find a range of no-cost options.

You can also visit your local library, where you'll find books, puzzles, reading groups, digital resources and opportunities to learn new skills, all of which can help keep your mind active and engaged.

Look after your mental health

Depression is linked to an increased risk of dementia in some people. It can affect the brain directly leading to brain shrinkage and problems with memory and thinking.

It can also affect our health and behaviours in ways that increase our risk of dementia; for example, drinking more alcohol, being less physically active, getting less sleep, being more socially active and having high blood pressure.

There is some evidence to suggest that treating depression reduces your risk of dementia, but more research is needed.

What can we do to reduce this risk?

Even small changes can make a big difference:

✔ Stay mentally active - read, do puzzles, learn new skills

✔ Take part in adult learning or community education

✔ Encourage children and young people to stay in school and enjoy learning

✔ Talk to someone - don’t struggle alone

✔ Speak to your GP if you feel low, anxious, or hopeless

✔ Try mindfulness, talking therapies, or peer support

What support is available in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire?

Free and local mental health support

This page provides a comprehensive directory of free local mental health support across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, including NHS talking therapies, crisis services, wellbeing hubs, support for children and young people, and community-based organisations that offer advice, counselling, and practical help.

Nott Alone

It’s OK not to feel OK. Local mental health advice and help for people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, all in one place.

Adult learning - Nottingham City Libraries

Nottingham City Libraries host workshops, digital inclusion sessions, conversation groups, and learning activities to help adults improve skills, confidence, and wellbeing.

Best for: Digital support, informal learning, and building confidence

Adult learning - Inspire Culture Learning and Libraries - Nottinghamshire

Inspire is Nottinghamshire County Council's adult learning provider, offering hundreds of courses across the county and online. Subjects include English, maths, digital skills, ESOL, arts and crafts, languages, health and wellbeing, and employability training. Many courses are free or subsidised.

Best for: Community learning, hobbies, qualifications, digital skills, and employment support.

Community & Family Learning - Nottingham City

Managed by Nottingham City Council, Community & Family Learning provides free adult courses for eligible Nottingham residents, focusing on confidence building, health and wellbeing, employability, family learning, and personal development. Courses are delivered in local community venues.

Best for: City residents seeking informal learning, wellbeing, and community-based courses.

Nottingham College Adult Courses

Nottingham College offers more than 290 part-time courses for adults across a wide range of subjects including IT, business, languages, construction, teaching, health and social care, GCSEs, and professional qualifications.

Best for: Career development, retraining, qualifications, and professional skills.

Workers Education Association (WEA)

The WEA is the UK's largest voluntary-sector adult education provider. It delivers community-based and online courses in Nottingham, including ESOL, digital skills, confidence building, employability, history, creative arts, and wellbeing courses.

Best for: Returning to learning, community engagement, and learning in small supportive groups.

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service 'Find a course' tool lets you search online and classroom courses across England by location, subject, start date and study method, including Skills Bootcamps and other funded options. You then apply directly with the college or training provider.

UCAS - Courses, apprenticeships, information guides and more

UCAS's course search lets you find and filter higher education courses across UK providers by subject, location and other options, then view details and apply where relevant. It also links to searches for apprenticeships and related guidance.

The Wicking institute dementia research and education centre

Free accessible learning programmes, including Understanding Dementia and Preventing Dementia, the website helps individuals, families, carers, health professionals, and community members learn about dementia risk reduction, early signs and symptoms, person-centred care, and strategies for supporting people living with dementia.

Information for professionals

• Encourage lifelong learning with service users
• Signpost to local adult education and community learning hubs
• Promote cognitive stimulation as part of dementia prevention messaging
• Refer to NHS Talking Therapies or community mental health services
• Promote social prescribing and community connection
• Promote local peer support groups and wellbeing hubs
• Find out more by visiting, Adult Mental Health Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (Nottinghamshire Insight) (opens in new tab)