In June, the Alzheimer’s Association sponsors Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month aiming to promote awareness and inform the public about risk reduction activities. This debilitating disease now affects seven million Americans. Per the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is the seventh-leading cause of death annually, killing more Americans than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. In addition, it’s the only leading disease without prevention or cure. The Alzheimer’s Association suggest ways to love the brain to lessen the effects of Alzheimer’s.
- Break a sweat: Participate in steady cardiovascular exercise that raises your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found a connection between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive deterioration.
- Hit the books: Take a class at a local college, community center or online. Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
- Butt out: Evidence shows that smoking intensifies the risk of cognitive decline. Kicking smoking habits can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.
- Follow your heart: 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 increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. 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 and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.
- Catch some ZZZs: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
- Mental health care: Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline. Seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Also, aim to manage stress.
- Stump yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete jigsaw/crossword puzzles. Do something artistic. Play games, such as chess, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits for your brain.
- Buddy up: Since staying socially engaged may support brain health engage in social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your community – if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. Enjoy singing? Join a local choir or help at an afterschool program. Or just share activities with friends and family.
It’s recommended to combine these habits to achieve supreme benefit for the brain and body. Remember, it doesn’t matter your age, start thinking about keeping your brain healthy and incorporating the ideas above to reduce the risk of cognitive deterioration. To learn more about Alzheimer’s facts, research and progress, treatments, and what makes dementia similar and different to Alzheimer’s, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website.