Alzheimer’s and Brain Health
June is Alzheimer’s and brain health awareness month. The goal is to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and to promote brain health. Education about dementia and ways to keep our brains in good shape can help reduce the risk of developing dementia and maintain cognitive health. Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a decline in cognitive functions. Symptoms typically include memory decline that affects daily living, difficulty with reasoning, abstract thinking, and problem-solving, as well as changes in personality and mood.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It is estimated that 55 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Unfortunately, that number is expected to double over the next 20 years.
It’s time to educate yourself about dementia and incorporate healthy habits into your daily life to help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Positive actions every day can make a difference in brain health and increase your likelihood of living free of dementia. Here are 5 habits for a healthy brain.
Exercise - Make exercise a part of your daily routine by participating in activities you enjoy. When you raise your heart rate, your body and brain benefit from the increased blood flow. There are many ways to incorporate exercise into your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park a little further away from the store entrance when running errands, dance to your favorite tunes, weed the garden, or go for a walk. If you don’t already exercise regularly, start slowly and gradually increase the time and intensity.
Sleep - A good night’s sleep is essential in maintaining brain health. Many important processes happen in the brain when we sleep that help it function normally. Try to keep a regular schedule of going to bed and waking, even on weekends. Create a restful environment and avoid alcohol & caffeine late in the day.
Diet/Nutrition - Eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Avoid fatty and highly processed foods. Instead, eat a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Keep healthy snack options available such as apples and other fruit, yogurt, or nuts.
Social Interactions- Social isolation can lead to an increased risk of developing dementia. Evidence shows that social contact can help support cognitive reserve - the brain's resilience against Alzheimer’s disease. Being social can also help reduce depression and stress.
Challenge your Brain - Another way to build cognitive reserve is by pursuing lifelong learning and challenging your brain each day. Be curious, learn a new skill, use your non-dominant hand for everyday tasks, or take up a new hobby, Brain-boosting games such as word and number puzzles can even be found on your phone or computer.
Start today! It’s never too early or too late to start taking control of your brain health.
Kari is a Team Lead for Smart Moves in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Kari’s mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 and has been in a resident memory care program for 1 year.