Brain Awareness & Alzheimer’s Disease: Work to keep your brain healthy and know the signs

By Alzheimer’s Association

Learn 10 Ways to Love Your Brain

This June during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month and you can do your part to help raise awareness of this devastating disease by learning and sharing 10 Ways to Love your Brain.

Research is still evolving, but evidence is strong that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes. Based on this research, the Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 Ways to Love Your Brain, a collection of tips that can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Heads up: Brain injury can raise 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.
6. 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.
7. Catch some ZZZ’s: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
8. 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..
9. 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.
10. 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.

It’s never too late or too early to start thinking about your brain’s health – making healthy choices at any age is beneficial. Visit  alz.org/10ways   to learn more.

Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

This June during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month and you can do your part to help raise awareness of this devastating disease by learning and sharing the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

It may be hard to know the difference between age-related changes and the first signs of Alzheimer’s. Some people may recognize changes in themselves before anyone else notices. Other times, friends and family will be the first to observe changes in memory, behavior or abilities. To help identify problems early, the Alzheimer’s Association has created a list of warning signs for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Individuals may experience one or more of these in different degrees:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.
4. Confusion with time or place.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
8. Decreased or poor judgment.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.
10. Changes in mood and personality.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of these signs, please see a doctor to find the cause. Early diagnosis gives you a chance to seek treatment and plan for your future.

To learn more about warning signs, visit   alz.org/10signs  or call the Alzheimer’s Association free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 (TTY:866.403.3073)

Join the Movement to End Alzheimer’s 

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month and the Alzheimer’s Association^® needs you to get involved and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Everyone who has a brain is at risk to develop Alzheimer’s, a disease that is often misunderstood. Did you know:

• Alzheimer’s is fatal. It kills more than breast and prostate cancer combined.
• Alzheimer’s is not normal aging. It’s a progressive brain disease without any cure.
• Alzheimer’s is more than memory loss. It appears through a variety of signs and symptoms.

During the month of June, the Alzheimer’s Association asks you to learn more about Alzheimer’s, share your story and take action. Visit alz.org/abam to:

• Learn and share the facts about Alzheimer’s,.
• Get inspired by powerful stories of people sharing their experiences with the disease.
• Go purple — the color of Alzheimer’s awareness — on Facebook, Twitter and more!
• Honor those facing the disease by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association The Longest Day on June 21. Sign up or donate at alz.org/thelongestday.

Help the Alzheimer’s Association #ENDALZ this June! Visit alz.org/abam  to get started.

End of Alzheimer’s Association Article

Cambrian Senior Living has locations in South Lyon and Tecumseh, Michigan.  Both locations offer specialized services in dementia care.  Support group services are also available on a monthly basis as a free service to the community, so check out our website to learn more at  www.CambrianSeniorLiving.com