- Get Regular Exercise! There are many benefits to exercise, however, some research has shown that regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain and can help improve mental function.
- Learn New Things! The brain works similar to muscles, if we don’t use it, we lose it. The more our brains are challenged to learn new things, such as a card game or building a puzzle, the better.
- Get Enough Sleep! Getting adequate sleep helps our brains to reset and stay focused. Research has also suggested that it helps to clear abnormal proteins from the brain, which could help with disease prevention.
- Connect With Others! Research has shown that being isolated and having little interaction with others can lead to feelings of depression, which in turn can contribute to memory loss. Increasing social interaction with others can correct memory loss, lessen feelings of depression, and improve brain function.
- Control Chronic Diseases! Keeping the blood vessels healthy increases blood flow to the brain. Managing chronic health conditions such as high blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure keeps the arteries and veins functioning optimally, which helps adequate blood flow get to the brain.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet! Research has shown that eating a well-balanced, healthy diet full of vegetables and lean proteins can reduce cognitive decline. Avoid heavily processed foods full of extra salt and sugars and look for foods higher in omega fatty acids since they can help protect the brain.
- Quit Smoking! Smoking puts the body at much higher risk for many serious health conditions. However, research has shown that quitting smoking may lower the risk of cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s disease is a complicated form of dementia that affects not only the person living with the disease, but their loved ones as well. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that slowly robs a person of their ability to remember, think and function independently. Given the impact and increased prevalence of this disease, it’s important to build awareness and provide education in hopes of taking steps towards prevention.
Originally discovered in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, this progressive disease causes previously healthy neurons to slowly shrink and die resulting in the slow destruction of the ability to think and retain memories. The memory loss associated with this disease is not a normal part of aging and often begins in the brain 10 years before any symptoms occur. The most common symptoms seen are memory loss, changes in personality, poor judgment and asking repetitive questions. A diagnosis is made after thorough testing by several medical providers and frequently involves interviewing family members to learn more about the individual. Since there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, the goal is to manage the symptoms of the disease to enable individuals to lead the best quality of life possible.
Given the impact of this disease, massive research continues towards finding a cure. One area of focus has been in the importance of maintaining a healthy brain. Keeping a healthy brain can help to prevent a decline in memory which could lower a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
For more health and well-being information, please visit Health Notes on our website at https://vitality.camdendiocese.org/health-notes/
