RESIDENTS are being urged to think that ‘what’s good for your heart is good for your head’.

The Heart of Wigan and Leigh, the borough’s flagship programme for improving the public’s health, has been encouraging people to take simple steps to look after their hearts since its launch in 2014.

Now it seems they may also reduce the risk of developing dementia.

A report in The Lancet medical journal outlines steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing dementia for some people.

Cllr Keith Cunliffe, cabinet member for adult social care and health at Wigan Council, said: “We have for a long time encouraged people to take their health into their own hands and through The Heart of Wigan and Leigh taught people that simple measures can make a huge difference.

“We are already seeing the benefits through improving life expectancy rates and falling numbers of people with cardiovascular conditions.

“Now this evidence shows that the wider work we are doing around social isolation along with The Heart of Wigan should help us to tackle some cases of dementia.”

According to the report, the steps that could make an impact on the development of dementia include stopping smoking, reducing obesity, being more active and tackling pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

The report lists social isolation as another trigger.

Through The Deal for Adult Social Care, the council is addressing this issue by connecting people into their community and encouraging them to reach out to others.

The report states that not all dementia cases are preventable, but the council says the Wigan borough is actively working to improve outcomes for all people living with dementia and their families and carers.

Through programmes such as Dementia Friends, more than 8,400 people have received awareness sessions to help those with the condition.

There has been an increase in dementia-friendly activities happening across the borough and the Dementia Advisors and Carers Support service delivered by the Alzheimer’s Society is available to support people through their dementia journey.

Last year the borough was named Dementia Friendly Community of the Year in the town category at the Dementia Friendly Awards, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Society.

The Heart of Wigan and Leigh programme is backed by a range of health organisations including Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust and Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles.

To find out more about dementia support visit wigan.gov.uk/dementia.