29 Jun Alzheimer’s & Brain Health Awareness
Learn about the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and ways to keep your brain healthy as you age.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases.
What causes Alzheimer’s?
Technically speaking, all memory loss is caused by brain cell death. It starts with a decline in cognitive behavior and memory loss. In 2013, 6.8 million people in the U.S. were diagnosed with dementia. Of these, 5 million had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
Warning Signs?
Warning signs of Alzheimer’s vary from person to person but most generally start with memory loss; often initially confusing time and place. Other warning signs can be withdrawal from work and social activities, poor judgement, misplacing things, and trouble understanding spatial relationships.
Can you treat Alzheimer’s?
Sadly, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. Things that make it easier to live with Alzheimer’s are:
- Effective management of any conditions occurring alongside the Alzheimer’s
- Activities and day-care programs
- Involvement of support groups and services
- Education and training
Ways to keep your brain healthy (at any age!)
General memory loss is different from Alzheimer’s. Here are some tips to keep your brain as healthy as possible:
- Get moving aka break a sweat
- Stop smoking
- Read voraciously or go back to school
- Get your blood pressure checked regularly
- Wear a helmet
- Eat as healthy as possible
- Sleep 7-8 hours a night
- Check in on your mental health
- Make friends and stay social
- Do a puzzle– stump your brain
Resources
- The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 Helpline that is free and confidential. Call them at 800.272.3900
- The Colorado chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is located at: 455 N. Sherman St., #500 Denver, CO 80203 or you can call them at 303.813.1669
- You can always call Vintage at our Resource Center at (970) 468-0295 if you have any questions or would like to be connected with any resources
The Momentum | Spring 2020 | For more information go to https://www.alz.org/(source)