Protect your head

How do head injuries affect brain health?

A serious head injury or repeated head injuries can increase the risk of dementia - especially if it causes you to become unconscious (pass out).

What can we do to reduce this risk?

Even small changes can make a big difference:

✔ Wear helmets for cycling, sports, or risky work

✔ Prevent falls at home by removing trip hazards and improving lighting

✔ Use seatbelts and follow safety rules when driving

✔ Use workplace and DIY safety equipment and following safety guidelines

✔ Make living and play areas safe for children. For your free guide, visit Child accident prevention trust (opens in new tab)

✔ Seek medical advice if you are having recurrent falls

What support is available in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire?

Head injury, sport and the risk of dementia

The Alzheimer's Society provides information on head injuries, concussion and how repeated brain trauma may affect long-term brain health and dementia risk.

Falls prevention programme - Your Health Notts

Our Falls Prevention Programme, developed in collaboration with the commissioned obesity prevention and weight management service, is a progressive exercise initiative designed for individuals aged 55 and above facing mobility or stability challenges. These sessions focus on strength and balance -the key to preventing falls. Learn and practice Otago’s recommended exercises to feel confident and steady.

Falls and fractures in older people - Nottinghamshire County Council

Provides local advice, exercises, classes and support services to help older people reduce their risk of falls, maintain independence and improve strength and balance.

Handy Person Adaptation Service (HPAS) - Nottinghamshire County Council

Learn about the Handy Person Adaptation Service (HPAS), including who can use the service, the adaptations and practical jobs available, and how to request support.

Making home adaptations for illness or disability - Nottingham City Council

This page provides information on how to get help and support from Nottingham City Council with modifying your home with grab rails, lifts or ramps.

Preventing falls - Age UK

Provides trusted advice and practical tips to help older people stay active, reduce falls risks and remain independent for longer.

Information for professionals

• Assess fall risk in older adults and those with mobility issues. Signpost to service where appropriate
• Promote helmet use and home safety adaptations
• Include head injury prevention in public health messaging
• To learn more about the, Older people Joint Strategic Needs Assessment go to, Falls and bone health Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (Nottinghamshire Insight) (opens in new tab)
• To learn about the affects of head injury increasing the risk of developing dementia, go to, Head injury and dementia risk explained (Alzheimer's Research UK) (opens in new tab)
• The Child Brain Injury Trust supports children, young people and families affected by brain injury, providing information, guidance and resources to aid recovery and long-term wellbeing. To learn more, go to The Child Brain Injury Trust website (opens in new tab) .