A routine NHS check-up could determine your risk of dementia and a range of other potentially deadly diseases, new research has revealed. Millions of Brits aged between 45 and 74, with no pre-existing health conditions, should be invited to an NHS Health Check every five years.
The check lasts 30 minutes and can be done at your GP surgery or pharmacy. It measures height, waist size, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
The doctor will also ask questions about your exercise, drinking, and smoking habits to better understand your 10-year risk of developing certain diseases with 70 percent accuracy, according to scientists from Oxford University.
The current check is designed to focus mainly on heart conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, but also assess the risk of dementia, kidney, and liver diseases.
READ MORE: Expert issues health warning on using out-of-date skincare products
BMJ Evidence-based Medicine published a new study revealing that it can predict the 10-year risk of dementia with 82 percent accuracy, 79 percent for heart attacks, and 73 percent for strokes.
In terms of liver issues, it can predict the risk of fatty liver disease with 77 percent accuracy, 86 percent for alcoholic liver disease, 76 percent for liver cirrhosis, and 75 percent for liver failure.
The study involved studying the data of 228,240 adults from the UK Biobank. Lead author Celeste McCracken said, “Our findings suggest that primary care providers could use a single set of easily collected information to generate multiple disease risk scores simultaneously.
“This could significantly streamline the process, potentially improving early disease detection and prevention efforts. We understand the NHS is resource-constrained, and this could have huge implications for people in hard-to-reach places.”
This gives patients a better chance at surviving the diseases by getting treatment earlier and ensuring the most accurate prognosis. GPs also benefit from the service, as it frees up their time, taking some of the pressure off.
Your GP or local council should invite you to NHS Health Check, but if you think you are eligible and have not been offerred it, contact your GP surgery to find out if they offer the service.
