Professor Andrew Newman on the importance of brain health

We recently collaborated with Professor Andrew Newman from Newcastle University. Together we created a new project on brain health and dementia for Key Stage 2 students. Below Andrew explains how we can look after our brains, and his experience of working with Cap-a-Pie and primary school students.

Andrew Newman stands in front of a white board and smart board. The smart board has the following text displayed on it: Memory in that game you were asked to remember things that you had seen recently. With dementia you may struggle to remember thongs that happened not long ago.

Can you explain why brain health is important, especially in relation to dementia prevention?

People are aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy heart, as this reduces the chance of cardiovascular disease. However, they are less aware of the importance of having a healthy brain, which helps prevent dementia. In a research paper published in the Journal Nature in 2024, a distinction is made between non-modifiable (about 60% of cases, which you can’t do anything about) and modifiable risk factors (about 40% of cases, which you can influence, affecting some 22 million people worldwide). The risk factors include blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, weight, alcohol, smoking, depression, hearing, inflammation, pollution, sleep, exercise, diet, socialisation, and education. Clearly, educating young people about the importance of these factors could mitigate the toll dementia takes on individuals and their families, as well as reducing the cost to wider society.

Why did you want to collaborate with Cap-a-Pie on a project about brain health?

I’ve known about the work that Cap-a-Pie undertakes in making the results of research available to the wider public for some years and have been impressed by it. They were the ideal partners for this work on healthy brains with young people.

What are some key factors that contribute to maintaining a healthy brain?

It is important to remain healthy during your life so that the small blood vessels in your brain are not damaged. Keeping physically active, managing blood pressure, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking are important. Research has also shown that staying in school beyond the age of 16 and connecting with other people reduces the risk of dementia later in life.

How does understanding brain health early in life contribute to overall well-being in later years?

The development of healthy habits in young people, which they maintain throughout their lives, reduces the chance of developing dementia in later life.   

What unique perspective or expertise does our theatre company bring to the project on brain health?

The teaching and communication skills demonstrated by Brad and Katy provide an excellent medium to engage young people with these topics. They find the exercises fun and, at the end, can demonstrate what they have learnt, which is great to see.

How do you see the arts and theatre playing a role in educating and engaging students about complex scientific topics like brain health?

The arts and theatre have a unique role in communicating complex ideas. I was surprised how easily the young people understood what was being communicated.

How has the collaboration between you and the theatre company enhanced the effectiveness of your work?

This collaboration has enabled me to engage with communities in a way that would otherwise be very difficult. If it results in just one person not developing dementia, then it is worth the work involved. One school student said that she had told her uncle, who was hard of hearing, to get a hearing aid as this may help him avoid dementia – which was great to hear about. 

In what ways do you hope this project will influence students’ understanding and awareness of brain health and dementia?

The project has given the young people an understanding of the relationship between brain health and dementia that will last a lifetime. Hopefully, they will talk to their families and friends and spread the information more widely.

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