Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to raise awareness of the reported links between diabetes and dementia among at-risk demographics.

The NHS Health Check programme raises awareness of diabetes and dementia among participants by assessing and discussing with them the risk factors for these diseases, among others. Participants aged between 65 and 74 are made aware of the symptoms of dementia and the existence of memory clinics in their area.

Public Health England’s (PHE) new priority work programme on dementia risk reduction will raise people’s awareness and understanding of the links between risk factors and/or pre-disposing conditions and dementia. PHE will support people to take actions to reduce their risk of dementia, including through a new healthy living marketing campaign planned for next year and aimed at 40 to 60 year olds. It will also work with NHS England and others on building dementia risk reduction messages into care and support for people with pre-disposing conditions, such as diabetes.