Staying healthy
Leading a healthy lifestyle can help to protect against cognitive decline. When someone has dementia, it’s important that they remain as fit and healthy as possible – both physically and mentally. The better a person feels, the better life will be for them and those around them.
Physical exercise is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells. It also can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, and thereby protect against those risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Social activity not only makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, it can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells.
Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells.
In order to stay healthy it is important to eat balanced meals, drink plenty of fluids, sleep well and take regular physical exercise. Visiting primary care regularly means that other health problems or those that could make dementia appear worse can be recognised and treated at an ealry stage so avoiding complications and risk of admission to hospital.
Resources
- Living with Dementia – 51 Tips to Help You With Daily LivingIn this in-depth infographic and article UK Care Guide offers a range of tips of advice to help people to live well with dementia.
- Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementiaThe World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia provide evidence-based recommendations on lifestyle behaviours and interventions to delay or prevent cognitive decline and dementia.
- Helping your loved one with dementia eat wellThis infographic published by Bupa UK offers some pointers for carers and relatives on how to help people with dementia to eat well so that they remain healthy and can continue to remain independent in their own home.
- The dementia profileThe dementia profile developed by the Dementia Intelligence Network collects new and existing data on dementia at both Clinical Commissioning Group and local authority level. This will assist the local planning of services and support areas to make sustainable improvements from an easily accessible online platform.
- Active Minds – dementia activity resourcesActive Minds produce a suite of activity products to assist people with dementia in leading active, engaging and fulfilling lives - enjoying activities that are meaningful to them.
- The Daily SparkleThe Daily Sparkle is a professionally written daily and weekly reminiscence and activity tool supported by the UK's leading care organisations such as the NHS, AgeUK and DementiaUK.
- A practical guide to healthy ageingThis guide published by NHS England and Age UK contains advice to help improve the health and general fitness of people of any age, but it is particularly relevant for people who are about 70 years or older.
- Good to go: A guide to dementia-friendly days outThis handbook published by Care UK aims to support carers relatives and friends who want to enjoy a variety of outings and trips with someone living with dementia.
- The Sound Doctor: Getting the best out of life with dementiaA series of films providing information to families living with dementia through the entertaining medium of TV/Film.
- Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia 2020The Prime Minister recently launched the government’s five year vision for the future of dementia care, support and research, which follows on from the existing Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia, launched in March 2012.
- Reading well books on prescription for dementiaThe Reading well books on prescription for dementia scheme is available in public libraries as part of a national library strategy to support the development of dementia-friendly communities and build understanding and awareness of the condition.
- No Secrets: guidance on protecting vulnerable adults in careThis guidance document published by the Department of Health sets out a code of practice for the protection of vulnerable adults in care.
- Mental Health Act 1983: Code of PracticeThe revised code of practice shows professionals how to carry out their roles and responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983, to ensure that all patients receive high quality and safe care.
- Wearing glasses with dementia factsheetThis factsheet is about the issues people with dementia who need to wear glasses may face. It will be useful for people with dementia, their families, carers and professionals.
- Eye examinations for people with dementia factsheetThis factsheet provides information on eye examinations for people with dementia. It will be useful for people with dementia, their families, carers and professionals.
- Supporting a person with dementiaThis Easy Read factsheet published by the the Alzheimer's Society provides advice for someone with learning disabilities who may have a friend or relative with dementia.
- Blackfriars Consensus on promoting brain healthThe Blackfriars Consensus, published by the UK Health Forum and Public Health England, explores the potential for incorporation of dementia risk reduction into current approaches for non-communicable diseases.
- Cataracts and dementia factsheetThe information in this factsheet will help people in with both dementia and sight loss and how to help someone with dementia cope with surgery.
- CMG48: Support for commissioning of dementia careThis guidance produced by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) summarises the key commissioning issues and the resource impact that will arise from implementing improvements in the quality of care for people with dementia, in line with the statements and measures that comprise the NICE quality standards for dementia.
- QS30: Supporting people to live well with dementiaThis quality standard, published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), covers the care and support of people with dementia.
- Spirituality and ageing: implications for the care and support of older peopleThis briefing paper published the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services explores why our ageing population requires person-centred care and developmental support in order to maximise its chances of ageing well.
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Groups
- Admiral Nurse Dementia HelplineThe Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline is for anyone with a question or concern about dementia. From looking out for the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s, to understanding the challenges of living with someone with vascular dementia, Admiral Nurses have the knowledge and experience to understand the situation and suggest answers that might be hard to find elsewhere.7th Floor, One Aldgate, London, EC3N 1RE0800 888 6678helpline@dementiauk.orghttps://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/dementia-helpline-alzheimers-helpline/
- Dementia AdventureDementia Adventure is a registered charity dedicated to supporting people with dementia to get outdoors, connect with nature, themselves and their community, and retain a sense of adventure in their lives.Unit 11, Old Park Farm, Main Road, Ford End, Essex, CM3 1LN01245 237548info@dementiaadventure.co.uk http://www.dementiaadventure.co.uk/
- House of MemoriesHouse of Memories is an award-winning training programme, run by the Museum of Liverpool, which targets the carers of people living with dementia. It provides participants with information about dementia and equips them with the practical skills and knowledge to facilitate a positive quality of life experience for people living with dementia.Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, L3 1DG0151 478 4545http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/learning/projects/house-of-memories/about.aspx
- Playlist for LifeBeing able to respond to music is the one thing dementia cannot destroy. Playlist for Life encourages families and caregivers to create a playlist of personally meaningful music on an iPod for people with dementia. 3 Castle Court, Carnegie Campus, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, KY11 8PBhttp://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/
- Engage & CreateEngage & Create is a not-for-profit organisation that uses creativity and conversation to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and those that care for them.Brighton, UKrachel@engageandcreate.comhttp://www.engageandcreate.com
- ThriveThrive is the leading charity in the UK using gardening to change the lives of disabled people. Thrive run structured programmes of activities for people with dementia which focus on positive reminiscence, re-connecting with others including friends and family and gentle appropriate exercise and cognitive stimulationThe Geoffrey Udall Centre, Beech Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 2AT0118 988 5688info@thrive.org.ukhttp://www.thrive.org.uk/
- RevitaliseRevitalise is a national charity providing short breaks and holidays (respite care) for disabled people and carers. We also offer inspirational opportunities for volunteers through one of the largest, most diverse volunteer programmes in the UK.212 Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, N1 0QH0303 303 0147info@revitalise.org.ukhttp://revitalise.org.uk/
- The ExtraCare Charitable TrustThe ExtraCare Charitable Trust is a not for profit developer and operator of ExtraCare Villages and Housing schemes which has retirement villages and housing schemes across the Midlands and North. ExtraCare's award-winning Enriched Opportunities Programme® (EOP) supports residents with dementia and dementia-related conditions.7 Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Coventry, CV3 2SN024 7650 6011betterlives@extracare.org.ukhttp://www.extracare.org.uk
- Arts 4 DementiaArts 4 Dementia helps develop activities at arts venues to re-energise and inspire people in the early stages of dementia and their carers. The Music Base, King's Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG020 7520 1492info@arts4dementia.org.ukhttps://www.arts4dementia.org.uk/
- The Fircone OrganisationFircone provides older people with the opportunity to try out new activities in a friendly and mutually supportive setting.Room 16 (3rd Floor), Grenville Building, 12 Cherry Street, Birmingham, B2 5AR0121 643 1032fircone@brcseminars.org.ukhttp://www.firconebirmingham.org.uk
- The Boldmere Day CentreBoldmere Day Centre offers a wide variety of activities including memory game, hocky, dominoes etc. Our buildings have full disabled facilities.Fairlie House, Trident Close, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 5TD0121 249 2997rehana.m.khan@birmingham.gov.ukhttps://marketplace.mycareinbirmingham.org.uk/Activity/Details/352
- Singing for the Brain – The Kenrick CentreSinging for the Brain is a stimulating group activity based on the principles of music therapy for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers.The Kenrick Centre, Mill Farm Road, Birmingham, B17 0QX07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Singing for the Brain – Sutton ColdfieldSinging for the Brain is a stimulating group activity based on the principles of music therapy for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers.Sutton Coldfield Methodist Church, South Parade, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1QY07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Singing for the Brain – South Aston United Reform ChurchSinging for the Brain is a stimulating group activity based on the principles of music therapy for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers.South Aston United Reform Church, Upper Sutton Street, Birmingham, B6 5BN07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Singing for the Brain – Apna Ghar Day Centre(South Asian Families)Singing for the Brain is a stimulating group activity based on the principles of music therapy for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers.Apna Ghar Day Centre, 21-22 Clevedon Rd, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 9HD07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Seymour Dementia CentreWe offer an enjoyable day in a warm, friendly safe and comfortable environment with freshly prepared nutritious meals and dementia friendly activities through the day.42 Warwick Road, New Oscott, Birmingham, B73 6ST0121 437 0033info@ageukbirmingham.org.ukhttp://www.ageuk.org.uk/birmingham/our-services/dementia-services/
- Rowangarth Day CentreWe provide Day Care for adults who are over the age of 18 who have a learning or physical disability. There is no upper age limit.
Rowangarth Day Centre, Jarvis Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 5RS0121 350 7100Rowangarthcare@btconnect.comhttp://www.rowangarthcare.co.uk
- Robin Centre – Day CentreThe Robin Centre is a day centre which provides care and respite for vulnerable older people, some of whom may have been diagnosed with Dementia.2 Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7RA0121 483 4400http://www.allsaintscentrekh.co.uk/older/
- Phoenix Court, Castle ValeCommunity and Wellbeing CentreAge Concern provides wellbeing services in six centres across Birmingham. All centres offer personalised support to people aged 55 and over who are physically frail or have mobility issues, dementia, depression or a long term health condition.Yatesbury Avenue, Castle Vale, Birmingham, B35 6QG07876 826 006info@ageconcernbirmingham.org.ukhttp://www.ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk/our-services/community-and-wellbeing-centres-day-services/
- My Care In BirminghamMy Care In Birmingham is Birmingham City Council's social care information and advice website.
Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BBMyCareInBirmingham.Enquiries@birmingham.gov.ukhttp://www.mycareinbirmingham.org.uk
- Drop-in sessions for people with communication difficultiesThe drop-in sessions provide a space for people with aphasia to relax over tea and coffee exchange ideas and meet people who understand what it is like to have this communication disability.Pannel Croft Village, Hospital Street, Birmingham, B19 2YD0121 503 1000admin.pannelcroft@extracare.org.ukhttp://www.extracare.org.uk/locations/pannel-croft-village
- Dementia Information and Support for CarersThe key aim of the service is to provide a free person centered support service to carers of people with dementia at all stages of their ‘journey’ from the point of diagnosis or referral.Sandwell Crossroads, Grenville House, New Swan Lane, West Bromwich, B70 0NS0121 553 6483http://www.sandwellcrossroads.org/disc-team
- Dementia Day Care Services – Trusted Local Care Ltd.Trusted Local Care Ltd. is a Social Enterprise, which has been developed by local people committed to providing a quality, person centered, specialist dementia day care services for older people.St John the Baptist Church Hall, 220 Longbridge Lane, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 4JT0121 572 2636tlcaremcd@gmail.comhttp://www.trustedlocalcare.co.uk
- Dementia Café -The Kenrick CentreDementia Cafés provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for peope with dementia and their carers to get together and socialise, receive information and share experiences.The Kenrick Centre, Mill Farm Road, Birmingham, B17 0QX07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Dementia Café – Sutton Coldfield Methodist ChurchDementia Cafés provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for peope with dementia and their carers to get together and socialise, receive information and share experiences.Sutton Coldfield Methodist Church, South Parade, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B72 1QY 07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Dementia Café – Winson GreenDementia Cafés provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for peope with dementia and their carers to get together and socialise, receive information and share experiences.Bishops Latimer Church, 60 Beeton Road, Birmingham, B18 4QD07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Dementia Café – WalmleyThe café is a monthly gathering where people with dementia and their families and friends can come together in a safe, welcoming environment, in the company of other carers and health and social care professionals. It aims to provide emotional support, information and the opportunity for discussion for people living with the impact of dementia.St John's Church Hall, Walmley Rd, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B76 1QN07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Dementia Café – Selly OakDementia Cafés provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for peope with dementia and their carers to get together and socialise, receive information and share experiences.Bournville Friends Meeting House, 65 Linden Road, Birmingham, B30 1JT07827 940 844birminghamandsolihull@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Dementia Café – Chester Road Baptist ChurchDementia Cafés provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for peope with dementia and their carers to get together and socialise, receive information and share experiences.Chester Road Baptist Church, Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B73 5HU07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Dementia Café – Ann Marie Howes CentreDementia Cafés provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for peope with dementia and their carers to get together and socialise, receive information and share experiences.Ann Marie Howes Centre, 20 Platt Brook Way, Birmingham, B26 2DU07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Cayon Care Day Centre, SheldonThis day service enables older people to remain as independent as possible. Activities are tailored to every person's need and include day trips gardening art debates quizzes and birthday parties.Carrs Lane Church Centre, Carrs Lane, Birmingham, B4 7SX0121 679 6580info@cayoncareservice.co.ukhttp://www.cayoncareservice.co.uk/
- Brookmeadow Court, Hall Green Community and Wellbeing CentreAge Concern provides wellbeing services in six centres across Birmingham. All centres offer personalised support to people aged 55 and over who are physically frail or have mobility issues, dementia, depression or a long term health condition.Hall Green Community and Wellbeing Centre, Paradise Lane, Hall Green Birmingham, B28 0DT07884 111 758info@ageconcernbirmingham.org.ukhttp://www.ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk/our-services/community-and-wellbeing-centres-day-services/
- Birmingham Healthy MindsBirmingham Healthy Minds is an NHS primary care psychological therapies service that works closely with Birmingham GPs. BHM offers advice, information and brief psychological talking therapies for people aged 16 and over, who are often feeling anxious, low in mood or depressed.Shenley Fields Centre, 15 Shenley Fields Drive, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 1XH 0121 301 2525bhm@bsmhft.nhs.ukhttp://www.birminghamhealthyminds.org
- Birmingham and Solihull Dementia Support WorkersDementia Support Workers provide expert practical advice and support to help people with dementia, their carers and family to understand the condition, cope with day-to-day challenges, and to prepare for the future.7-9 Olton Wharf, Richmond Road, Solihull, B92 7RN0121 706 4052birminghamandsolihull@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Birmingham Carers HubThe Hub offers a wide range of services, FREE to local carers to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of carers.76-78 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B73 5TJ 0333 006 9711info@birminghamcarershub.org.ukhttp://www.birminghamcarershub.org.uk/
- Birmingham and Solihull Dementia Adviser ServiceBirmingham and Solihull dementia adviser service offers information about all aspects of living with dementia and supports people to access services.7-9 Olton Wharf, Richmond Road, Solihull, B92 7RN0121 706 4052birminghamandsolihull@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Adults and Communities Access PointIf you think that you or someone you care for needs social care support, please contact Adult social care services and support about getting an assessment of your (or their) social care needs.0121 303 1234acap@birmingham.gov.ukhttp://www.birmingham.gov.uk/care-assessment
- Admiral Nursing ServiceWe offer specialist dementia nursing support to family carers with multiple and complex care needs both emotionally and practically, using a range of therapeutic interventions.Little Bromwich Centre, 150 Hob Moor Road, Birmingham, B10 9JH0121 301 5830Admiral.NursingService@bsmhft.nhs.ukhttp://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/our-services/older-adult-services/older-adult-community-services/admiral-nursing-services/
- Activity Group – Rushden CroftThe Activity Group offers people with dementia the opportunity to meet with others in the same situation. This is a peer support service where people can socialise, take part in activities and share with others the challenges, difficulties and achievements of living with dementia.
Rushden Croft Sheltered Housing Complex, Kingstanding, Birmingham, B44 9TF07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Activity Group – Middleton RoadThe Activity Group offers people with dementia the opportunity to meet with others in the same situation. This is a peer support service where people can socialise, take part in activities and share with others the challenges, difficulties and achievements of living with dementia.
Middleton Road Sheltered Housing Complex, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7HP07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Activity Group – Kalyan AshramThe Activity Group offers people with dementia the opportunity to meet with others in the same situation. This is a peer support service where people can socialise, take part in activities and share with others the challenges, difficulties and achievements of living with dementia.
Kalyan Ashram, 231 Walford Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B11 1QJ07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Activity Group – Ghulab AshramThe Activity Group offers people with dementia the opportunity to meet with others in the same situation. This is a peer support service where people can socialise, take part in activities and share with others the challenges, difficulties and achievements of living with dementia.
Ghulab Ashram, 18 Whisley Brook Lane, Hall Green, Birmingham, B28 8SR07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- Activity Group – DigbethThe Activity Group offers people with dementia the opportunity to meet with others in the same situation. This is a peer support service where people can socialise, take part in activities and share with others the challenges, difficulties and achievements of living with dementia.
07827 940 844Gary.stanley@alzheimers.org.ukhttp://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/custom_scripts/branch.php?branch=true&branchCode=14310&areaBC=WEWM
- 50+ Wellbeing Project Balsall HeathThis project provides daycare facilities for over 50's. People with dementia or their carers should ring to discuss what support can be given. Much of what's on offer may suit carers who wish to socialise or to have a break. 93 Court Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 9LQ0121 440 3500mecctrust@hotmail.comhttp://mecctrust.org/
- The Reading AgencyThe Reading Agency is a charity working to inspire more people to read more, encourage them to share their enjoyment of reading and celebrate the difference that reading makes to all our lives. Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3GA0207 324 2544info@readingagency.org.ukhttp://readingagency.org.uk/
- The Reader OrganisationThe Reader Organisation is a charitable social enterprise working to connect people with literature through shared reading. The older people and dementia work programme uses shared reading to improve quality of life and care for people living with dementia and their carers.Calderstones Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool, L18 3JB0151 729 2200info@thereader.org.ukhttp://www.thereader.org.uk/
- Sporting Memories NetworkThe Sporting Memories Network, also known as Replay, is a national charity which promotes the use of sporting memories to improve the wellbeing of older people and to tackle dementia, depression and social isolation.Orchard House, Long Street, Topcliffe. North Yorkshire, YO7 3RLadmin@sportingmemoriesnetwork.comhttp://sportingmemoriesnetwork.com
- Dementia Services Development CentreThe Dementia Services Development Centre is an international centre of knowledge and expertise dedicated to improving the lives of people with dementia.Iris Murdoch Building, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland01786 467740http://www.dementia.stir.ac.uk
- The National Valuing Families ForumThe National Valuing Families Forum brings together a network of regional family carer organisations to consult and feed into government policy and legislation affecting those with learning disabilities and their families.32-36 Loman Street, London, SE1 0EHrhannan@carers.orghttp://professionals.carers.org/health/the-national-valuing-families-forum,7028,PR.html
- Carers DirectCarers Direct offer a helpline for carers that need help with their caring role and want to talk to someone about what options are available to them. PO Box 27079, Glasgow, G3 9EJ0300 123 1053http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/carerslives/updates/Pages/CarersDirecthelpline.aspx
- The Disabled Parents NetworkThe Disabled Parents Network is a National network of Disabled Parents, helping each other and bringing about change for disabled people who are parents or who hope to become parents, their families, friends and supporters.Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 4TP07817 300 103http://www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk
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