Did you know that June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month? I didn’t know that until recently.
There are many challenges that people face as they get older, and I’m not just talking about wrinkles and having to get up several times during the night to go to the bathroom. I’m talking health issues such as osteoporosis, arthritis, vision and hearing loss. Many elderly people face even bigger health risks such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is an irreversible neurological disease that impairs cognition, orientation and functional capacity, and it is the only cause of death among the top 10 life-threatening conditions in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are my two biggest fears about getting older. I seriously worry about that A LOT. More than I probably should for my age. Just the idea of losing who I am and not being able to recognize those I love more than anything else in this world scares the heebie jeebies out of me. I don’t want that to happen to me, or my husband or even those around me.
I have not been personally affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s (THANKFULLY), but you just never know. It can happen to anyone. I don’t think anyone is fully immune from either one of these life altering diseases.
Research has shown that there is a way you can help reduce the risk of your cognitive decline by making easy and simply lifestyle changes – this according to a new research summary published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia:The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Cognitive decline means the deterioration in memory or cognition.
“The research on cognitive decline is still evolving,” said Angela Geiger, Chief Strategy Officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “But there are actions people can take. Certain healthy behaviors known to combat cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline. These include staying mentally active, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a heart-healthy diet that benefits your body and your brain. There is also some evidence people may benefit from staying socially engaged with friends, family and the community.”
I have heard that playing with word puzzles and actual puzzles can help reduce your risks. I have also heard that trying to figure things out also helps. I had a perfect example of that recently when a butter knife some how slipped into the drain. It was late at night and we don’t have the money to call a plumber. I could see the knife, I just had to find a way to grab it and pull it out. It was a challenge but I did it (much to the surprise of my husband). It involved a pair of scissors and brute strength to pull it out of the drain through the small holes in the top of the drain (how it got down there we can’t figure it out).
With this being Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 Ways to Love Your Brain, tips that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Break a sweat. Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Hit the books. Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.
Butt out. Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.
Follow your heart. Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes – negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.
Heads up! Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.
Fuel up right. Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean andMediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.
Catch some Zzz’s. Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
Take care of your mental health. Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.
Buddy up. Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community – if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an afterschool program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.
Stump yourself. Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain.
These are awesome tips, some of which I have not heard of before.
These are simple and easy tips too – not to mention some of them are fun. I would LOVE to go back to school. I am only 12 credits shy of my Bachelor’s Degree. I would very much love to go back to school and finish up my degree. Someday… when we win lotto and can afford the tuition. Sigh…
“While the adoption of all of these habits is important in influencing brain health, if it seems overwhelming, start with one or two changes and build on them,” said Geiger. “While some changes may be challenging, others can be fun. Try to choose activities and foods you enjoy.”
The above mentioned tips may also help reduce your risk of dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association would love for our communities to come together to help fight Alzheimer’s disease during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month by doing the following:
- Take the Purple Pledge at alz.org.
- Join the Alzheimer’s Association in wearing purple on June 21, and share photos of yourself, family, friends and co-workers wearing purple via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. with the hashtags #ENDALZ and #GoPurple.
- Participate in The Longest Day®, a sunrise-to-sunset event to honor those facing Alzheimer’s disease with strength, passion and endurance. Visit alz.org today to start a team to raise funds and awareness.
Whether you are personally affected by these diseases, I hope you will take these tips to heart and share them with friends, family, neighbors and co-workers.
If you would like to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association please visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post. I posted this information for the benefit of my site readers. The opinions expressed are my own unless otherwise noted.