BARRY-BORN weatherman Derek Brockway has joined a campaign to help everyone reduce the risk of dementia.

The BBC Wales Weatherman Walking presenter has joined Welsh Government health and social services minister Mark Drakeford, to launch the Dementia – Reduce your Risk guide at the start of National Dementia Week.

The six steps to reduce your risk of developing dementia are being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, being socially and mentally active, avoiding drinking too much alcohol, stopping smoking, and committing to review your health.

Derek said: “I’ve seen first-hand the reality of a loved one living with dementia and I’m pleased to support a campaign to explain how we can reduce our dementia risk.

“Taking a Weatherman Walking route in our wonderful Welsh countryside or just around the local park or to the shops is one of the six ways to reduce your risk of developing dementia

“It’s good to know that you’re never too young, or old, to reduce the risk and I hope that these six steps will give many people a new incentive for adopting a healthier lifestyle”

Professor Drakeford said: “These are easy, sensible steps that people can take that not only reduce their dementia risk, but other health risks, such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Switching to a healthier lifestyle can help to reduce your risk by up to 60 per cent.

“This new guide offers advice on where you can get help to support these changes and the good news is that these steps are not difficult to achieve – we need to be physically, socially, and mentally active, maintain a healthy weight, avoid drinking too much alcohol and not smoke.

”The message is clear – don’t wait; act now. It’s never too early, or late, to start reducing your risk of dementia. What’s good for your heart is good for your brain.”