Take action during June, Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

Take action during June, Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month
Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast

How can you reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s and other dementia?

Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. Start now. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Heads up!
Brain injury can raise your 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.

• 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.

• Catch some Zzz's
Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

• 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.

• 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 after-school program. Or just share activities with friends and family.

• 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.

It’s never too late to get started! To keep up with Alzheimer’s News and Events, sign up here: https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10_ways_to_love_your_brain.

Become an Alz Star

Older Black Americans are twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites. This June, for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, know the signs and how to get an accurate diagnosis.
• Discover the 10 warning signs.
• Learn the steps to receive an accurate diagnosis.
• Learn tips to connect with someone you suspect may have cognitive impairment.
• Learn about the Area Agencies on Aging and their Aging Disability Resource Centers.
• Learn about the Dementia Care and Cure Initiative.
• Learn about the Memory Disorder Clinics in Florida.

Learn more at alzstars.org.

Upcoming virtual programs

Tuesday, June 27, 12:00 p.m. ET
Healthy Living for the Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research
       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. 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/tJclfuGqqj8jGdHn2GYDqXCZztgj5hpEtG6h#/registration

Friday, June 30, 12:00 p.m. ET
WINK (What I Need to Know): Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care
       This program focuses on knowing when to move your loved one into a care community. Learn about the various types of communities and what questions to ask to best match the service to your families needs.
REGISTER HERE: https://alz-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUlceqqqjMtGdL_KObivLUhcmN88ngk8Lwr#/registration

ANYTIME Featured Webinar: The Gut Brain Connection
On-demand on alzprogramsanytime.org
       Does the stomach have a role in brain health? Join us as we take a deep dive into Alzheimer's and dementia research, with a special focus on science related to our gut and how it is linked to our brain. Our special guest, Hariom Yadav, Ph.D. will share research on the connection between our brains and the community of microbes (microbiome) living in our gut. His lab is researching how the microbiome differs between individuals who have normal cognition versus those with cognitive decline and dementia.
REGISTER HERE: https://alzprogramsanytime.org/register/the-gut-brain-connection

Find workshops, social events and more in your area.

Find local programs, including in-person Alzheimer’s education workshops like Caregiver College, Brain Bus stops and more. View the program schedule here:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xkOBz_nnP1NcyGv6tm_CXbfgBbx8AmDc_0sAm1yuwtY/edit#gid=0.

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About the 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 www.alz.org/flgulfcoast, phone (727) 578-2558.

Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, website www.alz.org, phone (800) 272-3900.