A DEMENTIA strategy for Keighley and Bradford was this week launched following a major study into the needs of local people.

Bradford Council launched its plan for the entire district following what it claimed was the most comprehensive strategic needs assessment ever carried out by a local authority.

The official launch on Monday came as dementia campaigners in Keighley revealed new dates for popular Dementia Friends courses.

The council’s needs assessment, which looked at how dementia impacts on people’s lives, was carried out with experts from Oxford University and the London School of Economics.

The results led to a series of recommendations that aim to reduce the impact of dementia and help improve care for those with the illness over the next five years.

Recommendations will include measures to help people change lifestyle factors to reduce their chances of getting the disease, helping those with dementia stay in their homes for longer, and improving care home provision.

Council leader David Green, chairman of the district’s Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “Bradford district is leading the way in developing a number of dementia-friendly programmes and the actions that come from this strategy will make a real difference to people’s lives“The work being carried out in Bradford is pioneering and at the forefront of dementia research which will enable other local authorities to develop their own strategies.”

Andrew O’Shaughnessy, consultant in public health for Bradford Council, said one in three cases of dementia was the result of bad lifestyle choices.

He said: “Quitting smoking, improving your diet and getting enough exercise at a younger age could help prevent people getting dementia in the first place.”

Dementia Friendly Keighley, run by volunteers with support from the Alzheimer’s Society, this week revealed dates for its next four Dementia Friends courses.

Dementia Friends learn what it is like to live with dementia and simple ways of helping fellow townspeople with the condition.

They learn points such as that dementia is not a natural part of ageing, it is caused by diseases of the brain, and it is not just about losing your memory.

The one-hour training sessions are on Tuesday, next Thursday and on June 23, at 7pm, and June 3, at 10.30am, all at Keighley Healthy Living in Scott Street.

Email info@dementiafriendlykeighey.org.uk or call 01535 677177 for further information about the courses, or to book a Dementia Friends session for your workplace, club or group.