Ian Waller pays a visit to dementia charity ReMind to take part in its Brain Health Clinic
A new preventative brain health clinic in Bath is aiming to help people understand their dementia risk – and, crucially, what they can do about it.
Run by local charity ReMind UK and based at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, the Brain Health Clinic offers comprehensive cognitive and lifestyle assessments for people who want to take a proactive approach to their long-term brain health.
Rather than waiting for problems to develop, the clinic focuses on early identification of risk factors and personalised advice. The aim is simple: to empower people with evidence-based guidance on reducing their likelihood of developing dementia later in life.
That was what prompted me to book an appointment.
My mum is living with vascular dementia, and my gran was affected before her. While there are no signs of dementia on my father’s side, I felt it was important to understand as much as possible about my own risk – and what I could realistically do to lower it.
A relaxed and supportive assessment
My visit began at ReMind’s HQ at the RUH with one of the charity’s psychologists.
The session focused on assessing different cognitive domains and my psychological affect through a series of comprehensive but surprisingly enjoyable tests. There were memory exercises, pattern recognition tasks and other straightforward cognitive challenges designed to build up a picture of how different parts of my brain are functioning.
The key thing to say is this: there is absolutely no pressure.
At no point did I feel I was being judged or “caught out”. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and genuinely supportive. It felt much more like a collaborative exploration of how my brain works rather than an exam.
After the cognitive assessments, I met with Dr Lorraine Courcier for a detailed but informal lifestyle discussion.
Looking at the bigger picture
This part covered diet, exercise, sleep, alcohol intake and social interaction – nothing intrusive, nothing heavy.
There were also basic health checks including blood pressure, height and weight, all designed to build up a picture of overall health and risk factors that may influence brain health over time.
I found this part fascinating.
Dr Courcier was more than happy to explain why certain factors matter and how they link to long-term cognitive wellbeing. Rather than delivering a lecture, she took time to answer my questions and tailor the advice to me as an individual.
What actually reduces dementia risk?
Remind’s approach reflects growing international evidence suggesting that up to 40% of dementia cases may be associated with modifiable risk factors.
The main ways to reduce risk include:
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Keeping physically active
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Maintaining a healthy weight
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Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
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Following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fish, fruit, vegetables and healthy fats
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Avoiding smoking
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Limiting alcohol
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Prioritising good sleep
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Staying socially and mentally active
Much of this is advice most of us have heard before.
The difference at the Brain Health Clinic is the personalisation. Because the team assess cognition, mood and physical health together, they can provide specific, individualised feedback.
In my case, that meant being told – quite fairly – that I need more rest and to lose a few pounds.
Neither suggestion was a shock. But hearing it framed in the context of protecting long-term brain health made it feel more urgent and meaningful.
For anyone with dementia in the family, anxiety about the future can sit quietly in the background.
Spending time with ReMind didn’t offer guarantees – and no responsible clinic would. What it did give me was clarity, perspective and a practical plan.
Instead of worrying about “what if?”, I left feeling better informed and more in control.
Find out more at www.reminduk.org/memory-services/brain-health-clinic/
