June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
Boost Your Brain Health
by Assisting Hands Home Care National Office
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association gains support via funds from individuals, companies, and other non-profit organizations to shed light on information and resources for this disease and other forms of dementia. The funds aid in research and spreading awareness about the disease and the ongoing work to find a treatment. According to alz.org, 6.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million, so it is important to help spread as much awareness as possible.
Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of death, yet has no cure and only one treatment has shown to likely reduce the cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s, so boosting brain health is critical in the fight against it. Other treatments temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms to improve quality of life. Even though current research suggests it cannot be prevented, studies show that forming certain habits can boost brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The Alzheimer’s Association has created this list of 10 ways we can nurture our neurological health:
Eat a balanced diet
Eating lower-fat foods along with plenty of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of cognitive decline, so it is important to eat a balanced diet. The Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH diets may also decrease risks associated with cognitive function.
Take care of your heart
Knowing and understanding your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke from conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, goes hand in hand: Take care of your brain by taking care of your heart so your risks is minimized.
Get enough sleep every night
Conditions such as insomnia or sleep apnea can affect memory as well as create cognitive problems, so be sure you’re getting the sleep you need. It’s recommended that most people get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, so be sure to get to bed at a good time.
Exercise regularly
Regular cardiovascular exercise gets your heart rate up and boosts blood flow to your brain and all of your body, so be sure to incorporate it into your day. Studies suggest this can also reduce your risk of cognitive decline, so it is very important to stay physically active.
Don’t smoke
Stopping a smoking habit can put your risk of cognitive decline on par with people who have never smoked, so be sure to focus on quitting. Smoking is strongly associated with increased risk of decline, along with a myriad of other health issues.
Stay socially active
Finding ways to stay socially engaged could help support brain health, so remember to stay socially active. Choose activities in your community that are meaningful to you and capture your personal interests. Stay connected to your friends and family.
Keep your mind active
Challenge your brain with new activities so your mind is staying active. Play strategy games, learn a new language, learn how to play an instrument, work jigsaw puzzles, or build something – it could benefit your cognitive health for the near or long term.
Protect your brain
Take steps to stay safe enjoying the activities you love and the ones of everyday living. Always wear a helmet to ride a bike and a seat belt in the car.
Learn something new
Education reduces your dementia risk at any stage of life, so always try to learn new things. Taking a class online can enrich your knowledge and help keep your brain healthy.
Take care of your mental health
If you experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, it’s important to seek medical advice and treatment so you can heal. Depression has been linked in studies to a higher risk of cognitive decline. Better managing stress can improve overall health.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease and how you can participate in Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, visit alz.org.
ABOUT OUR SERVICES
Assisting Hands® Rockford can provide assistance in the privacy of their own home for you or a loved one. Our caregivers have training and experience in providing in-home care. They have passed extensive background checks, and are insured, bonded, and trained in CPR and First Aid. Assisting Hands® Rockford will help you select the best matched caregiver from its pre-screened group of available assistants. We can have qualified help placed in your home generally within 48 hours or less of the initial call.
