Manage long-term health conditions

How do other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol affect brain health?

Conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels can also damage the brain.

These include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Type 2 diabetes
• High LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol, known as "bad cholesterol"

These conditions can increase the risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

What can we do to reduce this risk?

Even small changes can make a big difference:

✔ Get regular health checks and know your numbers

✔ Take medications as prescribed

✔ Eat a balanced diet and stay active

✔ Reduce salt, sugar, and saturated fats

✔ If you have type 2 diabetes, ensure you attend all diabetes check appointments. You should have yearly blood tests and a urine (wee) test. You should also have regular foot checks and diabetic eye tests. When newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you should be offered a Diabetes Education Programme. If you've had type 2 diabetes for a while and not been to an education programme, you can ask your doctor or nurse to refer you to Nottinghamshire Diabetes Education Service (opens in new tab) or Nottingham City Diabetes Service (opens in new tab) .

What support is available in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire?

NHS Health Checks

The NHS Health Check is a free midlife check for adults aged 40 to 74 without certain pre-existing conditions, usually offered every five years via your GP or local council. It includes simple checks and questions to assess risks such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, followed by personalised advice

NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP)

NHS England's diabetes prevention page outlines the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, a free nine-month lifestyle change service for adults at high risk of type 2 diabetes, delivered in person or digitally with support on healthy eating, activity and weight management. It also links to resources and local provider contacts.

Blood Pressure UK

The UK’s leading patient-focused charity dedicated to lowering the nation’s blood pressure to prevent stroke, heart and kidney disease. Our vision is for everyone to know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height or weight and take steps to keep them healthy, both now and in the future.

Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK is the UK’s leading diabetes charity, providing trusted information, advice and support for people living with diabetes and those at risk. The website offers guidance on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, healthy living and emotional wellbeing, alongside research updates, educational resources, risk assessment tools, community support and opportunities to help fund a future without diabetes.

Your Health Notts

Losing weight can be hard. We take a refreshing approach to traditional diet clubs. We believe that all foods have a place in a balanced diet and promote practical and realistic changes to achieve a healthy weight. With the support of our friendly and qualified advisors, we will encourage and advise you on the steps needed to achieve a healthier weight, which can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve control of high blood pressure. For most, maintaining change is the toughest part, therefore we help you to set achievable weekly goals which are sustainable.

Thriving Nottingham - Weight loss that works

We know sustainable weight loss is tough. Whether you’re looking for help with nutrition and exercise, want a digital weight loss plan, or need the added support of health coach guidance, we’re here to help Nottingham residents lose weight for free in a way that suits you and your family. Thanks to Nottingham City Council, your weight loss programme is absolutely free. To make sure we’re helping those who need it most, there are some eligibility criteria.

NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire weight management services

As well as referring yourself to the weight loss and exercise programmes, your GP may be able to refer you to weight management services if you are eligible. The weight management service will assess you and consider the next steps depending on your individual circumstances and NHS eligibility criteria.

These options may include:

• diet and exercise programmes
• weight loss injections
• bariatric surgery

Information for professionals

• Encourage those eligible to attend NHS Health Checks and follow-up support.
• Use brief interventions to encourage lifestyle changes.
• Refer to structured education programmes for diabetes and hypertension.
• Find out more by visiting: Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Joint Strategic Needs Assessment: Health and Wellbeing Dashboard (Microsoft Power BI) (opens in new tab)