07/02/2025
June was Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Affecting more than 6 million Americans, most over 65, Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, impacts the ability to carry out simple tasks and may alter behavior and personality. These symptoms are known as dementia. Other diseases and conditions can also cause dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. It’s the result of complex changes in the brain that start years before symptoms appear and lead to the loss of brain cells and their connections.
However, as is the case with diabetes and heart disease prevention, leading a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Here’s what you can do to help ward off of Alzheimer’s, dementia and other health conditions:
* Control high blood pressure as it has harmful effects on the brain
Manage blood sugar; high blood sugar can lead to cognitive impairment
* Maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet and keep physically active
* Stay mentally active. Read, play board games, craft, or take up a new hobby
* Stay connected with family and friends to prevent isolation and loneliness
* Treat hearing problems. Hearing loss may affect cognition and affect interaction
* Take care of your mental and physical health
* Sleep well. Altered sleep pattern greatly affect the brain and cognition
* Take steps to prevent falls and head injury; wear seatbelts and helmets
* Drink less alcohol to prevent falls and have optimal health
* Stop to***co use!
* Stay mentally engaged with reading, puzzles and memory games
Talk with your healthcare provider for more information on signs and symptoms of dementia, prevention and treatment options. We owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to do our best to take care of ourselves today for a happy and healthy tomorrow. Nothing is certain with disease prevention, but having a solid, healthy foundation is a great place to start!
Author: Andrea Malinowski