Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Health Month
June 6, 2024
June is dedicated to Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Health Month.
Let us delve into Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Health Month this month. It is crucial that we understand what this disease entails and how we can mitigate the risk. Maintaining optimal brain health is key in this endeavor.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer's Disease ranks as the leading type of dementia. It starts with mild memory loss, and it could potentially lose the ability to converse and respond to the environment. It affects the control of thought, memory, and language. Leading to difficulties in conducting daily tasks.
About 5.8 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is possible that younger age groups may get Alzheimer’s disease, but it is still rare. Every five years, the rate of Alzheimer's disease diagnosis among individuals aged sixty-five and older doubles. By 2060, it is predicted to have almost 14 million people to have the disease.
Warning Sign of Alzheimer's Disease
- Forgetfulness. Memory disruptions hinder daily activities. For instance, getting lost on the way home. Misplacing items and struggling to recall previous steps.
- Difficulty in managing money and doing daily tasks.
- Mood change. Either in personality or behavior.
7 Ways to Help Maintain Your Brain Health
Studies show that healthy behaviors can reduce the risk for cognitive decline. Though, age, generics and familial medical backgrounds are unalterable aspects. According to Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care advises to tackle risk factors. By addressing the risk factors, it is possible to decrease dementia instances by 40%.
- Quit smoking. Not only can it reduce the risk of dementia, but it can also reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer lung disease and other smoking related illnesses. Free hotline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure level. Over ten million of American adults suffer from high blood pressure.
- Be physically active. With CDC’s research, physical activities can enhance thinking, reduce risk of depression and anxiety. Additionally, it can assist in better sleeping patterns.
- Maintain a healthy weight. It is important to have a healthy lifestyle instead of short-term dietary changes. A healthy lifestyle includes eating healthy daily and regular physical activity.
- Get enough sleep. The amount of sleep is determined by age.
- Stay engaged. Play chess or participate in community activities.
- Manage blood sugar. Talk with your health care team about the best blood sugar level for you.
Sources:
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 26 Oct. 2020
- Maintaining Your Brain Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 25 April 2023
- Manage your Blood Sugar, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Diabetes, 15 May 2024