A campaigner has launched a series of daily brain exercises, which he says will help in the fight against Alzheimers disease.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Gareth Rowlands at the launch of one of his mathematics booksGareth Rowlands at the launch of one of his mathematics books (Image: Archant)

Gareth Rowlands, of Pine Grove, Brookmans Park, has stresses the importance of both mental and physical exercises, to stem the onset of the disease and dementia. He said they can “stimulate parts of the brain dealing with memory, which in turn improves the quality of life”.

Mr Rowlands’ exercises involve making multiple words from another word and rearranging numbers.

He also said Sudoku and crossword puzzles and playing Scrabble could help.

“By working in pairs or in groups, the exercises can be more enjoyable not only for the elderly but also for their carers,” he said.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Gareth Rowlands' 'Battle Dementia' websiteGareth Rowlands' 'Battle Dementia' website (Image: Archant)

He added: “An active lifestyle spent in an intellectually-stimulating atmosphere [and] having plenty of interesting company can certainly compensate for some forms of brain damage whilst reading, writing, singing, reading aloud, learning a new language, playing Scrabble, completing crossword puzzles, playing Sudoku and playing a musical instrument, are magnificent ways of stimulating the brain.”

The author is currently compiling book of suitable words and numbers which will appear on his website www.battledementia.co.uk