Farmer’s ‘dementia day’ back by popular demand

A Sussex farmer will be opening the gate to doctors, carers and members of the public next month (October) for the second in a series of workshops looking at diet and dementia.

Speaking on World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21), Durwin Banks of The Linseed Farm near Horsham said: “More than 850,000 people are diagnosed with dementia in the UK – everyone knows someone who’s suffering, most likely it’s your parent or grandparent.

“While the impact on a family can be very upsetting, dementia and its most common cause, Alzheimer’s disease, are a growing problem for us as a nation, too.

“Dementia is now the leading cause of death in women and the cost of treatment and research is substantial. Yet we seem to be no nearer to finding a cause or a cure.”

The farm’s first Alzheimer’s & Dementia Day attracted GPs, dentists, carers and individuals keen to learn how to improve their mental health through diet.

“Nowhere is the food debate more important than in the area of mental health,” said Durwin, a campaigner for better dietary advice since he set up The Linseed Farm producing Omega 3-rich oil from home-grown seed in 2000. “I think the response to our first workshops proved that people are hungry for advice.”

Together with naturopath Deborah Walker Durwin will use the workshops to explain the role of fats in the brain, particularly how a balanced intake of essential fatty acids keeps its 100 billion cells fully functioning.

“A balance of fats – particularly Omega 3 in which most of us are seriously deficient – is vital for good cell communication. As is avoiding polluting the body with cheaply produced Omega-6 rich oils, which are routinely found in manufactured foods,” says Durwin. “Nowhere is this more important than in preventing dementia where the brain’s ability to send messages is compromised, leading to classic signs of forgetfulness and disorientation.”

The workshop costs £25pp to include a tour of The Linseed Farm, morning coffee, lunch and presentations with question and answer sessions.

For more information and to book, go to thelinseedfarm.co.uk/events

…end…                                            23 September 2016