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The event, organised by Queen’s Communities and Place, focused on raising awareness of brain ageing, early indicators of dementia and the practical steps individuals can take to protect their cognitive health with academics from the Centre for Public health sharing insights into brain health and dementia. 

The Community Wellbeing Kitchen, a collaborative initiative between?Queen’s Communities and?Place?at?Queen’s University, the Market Development?Association?and local residents, also played a key role in the event. The initiative supports the Market community to address challenges around mental health, physical wellbeing and the cost-of-living crisis by providing practical, food-based interventions and skills. 
 
At the event, the group prepared a ‘brain-healthy’ lunch for guests based on research-informed nutritional guidance, using ingredients such as brown rice, spinach, green lentils and oily fish, while also sharing simple, affordable tips for preparing nutritious meals at home. 

Teresa Power, local resident and participant said: 

“I came along for awareness, mainly because my mother had vascular dementia. The information the speakers shared was so encouraging and gave me hope, especially hearing how much research is being carried out.

“It’s amazing to learn that there are proactive steps we can all take to reduce our risk. We’ve all taken away so much information about improving our nutrition and diet – things that can be easily applied in our everyday lives.” 

Professor Bernadette McGuinness, Clinical Professor of Ageing from Queen’s Centre for Public Health highlighted key risk factors associated with dementia, such as blood pressure, body weight, and hearing and vision loss:  

“Understanding the early signs of dementia and seeking timely support can make a real difference to quality of life. Through both clinical care and research, we are continuing to improve how we diagnose, manage and, importantly, reduce the risk of dementia. Events like this are an opportunity to share knowledge, support individuals and families, and encourage proactive approaches to maintaining brain health.” 

Dietitian and Senior Lecturer Dr Claire McEvoy, also from the Centre for Public Health, emphasised the growing evidence around the role of diet in improving long-term brain health outcomes: 

“Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health as we age. Small, sustainable changes to what we eat can have a meaningful impact on reducing dementia risk and supporting overall wellbeing. 

“This event demonstrated the impact of translating our world-leading research at Queen’s to members of the community in ways which are helpful to them. It was fantastic to engage directly with the local community and share practical and proactive ways that people can look after their health.” 

Patrick McNally, Health Coordinator, Market Development Association said: 

“This event was an invaluable opportunity to bring people together and focus on practical ways to improve people’s health within our community. Through initiatives like the Community Wellbeing Kitchen, we aim to support residents with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthier choices every day. It was great to see the group engage with researchers at Queen’s about the work they’re doing.”  

Held at St Malachy’s Youth Centre, the event was delivered through a partnership between Queen’s Communities and Place and the Market Development Association and was sponsored by Alzheimer’s Research UK.  

Media

For media enquiries contact anna.stewart@qub.ac.uk