Upcoming free Alzheimer's virtual programs and resources
Support for caregivers, people with dementia, and the community
5 Ways to Promote Brain Health
By Maddison Rametta
During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging all Americans to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. There are currently more than 6 million Americans, age 65 and older, living with Alzheimer’s. Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, 1 in 3 seniors age 85 and older have Alzheimer’s disease.
While some brain changes are inevitable as we age, there is a growing body of research to suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, including healthy eating, exercising regularly, not smoking and staying cognitively engaged may help us age healthier and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. This June, the Alzheimer’s Association offers these five tips to promote better brain health and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline:
(1) Exercise regularly: Regular cardiovascular exercise helps increase blood flow to the body and brain, and there is strong evidence that regular physical activity is linked to better memory and thinking.
(2) Maintain a heart-healthy diet: Stick to a meal schedule full of fruits and vegetables to ensure a well-balanced diet. Some evidence suggests a healthful diet is linked to cognitive performance. The Mediterranean and DASH diets, which emphasize whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fish and berries, are linked to better cognitive functioning, and help reduce risk of heart disease as well.
(3) Get proper sleep: Maintaining a regular, uninterrupted sleep pattern benefits physical and psychological health, and helps clear waste from the brain. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to keep a routine bedtime.
(4) Stay socially and mentally active: Meaningful social engagement may support cognitive health, so stay connected with friends and family. Engage your mind by doing activities that stump you, like completing a jigsaw puzzle or playing strategy games. Or challenge yourself further by learning a new language or musical instrument.
(5) Keep your heart healthy: Recent study shows strong evidence that a healthier heart is connected to a healthier brain. The study shows that aggressively treating high blood pressure in older adults can help reduce the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Program Schedule
Alzheimer's Asssociation, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
Find programs in your area including in-person Alzheimer’s education workshops like Caregiver College, Brain Bus Stops and more. LINK to detailed program schedule, which includes links to register for programs:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xkOBz_nnP1NcyGv6tm_CXbfgBbx8AmDc_0sAm1yuwtY/edit#gid=0
Upcoming Virtual Programs
Tuesday, June 14, 1:00 p.m. ET, Effective Communication Strategies
Topic: Effective Communication Strategies
Description: Communication is more than just talking and listening — it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, and body language. As the disease progresses individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias lose the ability to use words, but families can find new ways to connect. Join us to explore how communication changes when someone is living with Alzheimer’s, learn how to interpret the verbal and behavioral communication, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
REGISTER HERE: https://alz-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIpduqspzsqH9K3GIlwAZjU9kl769VYE5uu
Thursday, June 16, 1:00 p.m. ET, Living with ALZ for Caregivers: Late Stage Part 1
Topic: Living with ALZ for Caregivers: A Series
Description: Join us for this series of programs that provide answers to the questions that arise in the early, middle, and late stages of the disease. Hear from those directly affected and learn what you need to know, what you need to plan, and what you can do at each point along the way.
REGISTER HERE: https://alz-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkdOCuqT4oHtwkhOAV9cnkMtUOiwSAyFv9
Thursday, July 21, 1:00 p.m. ET, Living with Alzheimer's: Late Stage, Part 2
In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving typically involves new ways of connecting and interacting with the person with the disease. In this 2-part series, you’ll hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care and providing meaningful connection for the person with late-stage Alzheimer’s and their families.
REGISTER HERE: https://alz-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkdOCuqT4oHtwkhOAV9cnkMtUOiwSAyFv9
Tuesday, June 21, 11:00 a.m. ET, Dementia Conversations
Topic: Dementia Conversations
Description: When someone shows signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. Often, conversations with family about changing behaviors can be challenging and uncomfortable. This program offers tips on how to have honest and caring conversations to address some of the most common issues. Topics covered in the program include: » Going to the doctor » Deciding when to stop driving » Making legal and financial plans
REGISTER HERE: https://alz-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAucu6prDMjH9MszoBFBKZLgtQt0d0v5d8E
Monday, June 13, 12:30 p.m. ET, Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research
and/or
Tuesday, June 21, 12:00 p.m. noon ET, Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research
Topic: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research
Description: For centuries we've known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.
REGISTER HERE: https://alz-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0uduCoqjksH9NkFRI__Jcn7ORBzleQ1Ge1
Ask the Expert: Agitation
Anytime on Demand
Join us for Agitation, an Ask the Expert event focusing on this dementia-related behavior. Dr. Jean Fils, medical director of the University of South Florida Memory Disorder Clinic, will discuss more about the underlying causes of agitation and the research that is being conducted at the USF Memory Disorders Clinic. This is a program for anyone who is interested in understanding this common dementia behavior. We'll also hear from Alzheimer's Community. Educator Sofia Sundberg to gain insights on how to understand and respond to dementia related behaviors. Cognitive training research (CTR) is aimed toward discovering how cognitive abilities can be maintained and even enhanced with advancing age. Join us to learn about CTR with developmental psychologist, Dr. Jerri Edwards and her research which is aimed to extend the mobility and independence of older adults through cognitive interventions. Also, hear from Alzheimer's Association Community Educator, Marline Burstein Levy, to gain insight into the latest evidence-based lifestyle factors that may help reduce your risk for dementia.
REGISTER HERE: https://alzprogramsanytime.org/register/brain-health-and-cognitive-training-research
Creative Care
Anytime on Demand
The health impacts of meaning and connection in our lives has never been more apparent. Register to hear Anne Basting as she provides powerful examples of how arts and culture sectors can be integrated into health and social care to improve our lives as individuals and communities. Also hear from Carol White on how to effectively communicate with someone living with dementia.
REGISTER HERE: https://alzprogramsanytime.org/register/creative-care
Support Groups
Find in-person, virtual and telephonic support groups including groups for caregivers and people with early stage dementia. Call (800) 272-3900 or learn more here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gyv-zC-3L3uIi6p0YBQBKxE2MMYvJH4W/view.
Community Resource Finder
Use Community Resource Finder to search for additional resources within your area. Learn more here: https://www.communityresourcefinder.org.
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ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION
The Alzheimer's Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research, with the mission of leading the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.
Brain Bus is funded in partnership with the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. Caregiver College is sponsored in part by Senior Connection Center, Inc. and the State of Florida, Department of Elder Affairs and Sarasota County Government.
Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd, Ste. 709, Clearwater, FL 33762, website alz.org/flgulfcoast, phone (727) 578-2558.
Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, website https://www.alz.org/, phone (800) 272-3900.