Story by Sarah Bruton and Nicolette Casula
We are living in a new social environment, and the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging everyone to include brain health on their list of self-care. Research shows that healthy lifestyle interventions may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and help reduce the risk of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 Ways to Love Your Brain, tips aimed at promoting brain health. Combining these behaviors offers a greater benefit than any single activity alone. Some tips include:
- Break a sweat. Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body.
- Hit the books. Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Take a class at a local college, learn a new language or instrument.
- 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.
- Catch some Zzz’s. Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
- Take care of your mental health: Some studies link a history of depression with an 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.
Find out all 10 Ways to Love Your Brain at alz.org/10ways.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
Ready to get involved and join the fight? Join us on Saturday, September 26, 2020, for the second annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in Stillwater!
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease!
When you participate in Walk, your fundraising dollars fuel our mission, and your participation in the event helps to raise the level of Alzheimer’s awareness in your community.
Register: Visit www.StillwaterWalk.org and click “Register” to set up your team. Questions? Please email stillwaterwalk@alz.org.
Volunteer: Calling all individuals, families, friends, and businesses! We are still filling Walk Committee positions and will need help for day-of logistics. If you are interested, please email stillwaterwalk@alz.org.
About the Authors:
Sarah Bruton is the Walk manager for both the Stillwater and Enid communities. She is proud to work towards a world without Alzheimer’s, and does so in honor of her grandmothers.
Nicolette Casula is the community outreach coordinator for Northwestern Oklahoma and is thrilled that her area includes Stillwater. She has been actively involved in aging services for 5 years and dedicates her efforts in honor of her grandmother Bushyhead in hopes of one day a world without Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association leads 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.
We are here to help. Call our 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900 or find resources at alz.org.
About Aging Advocates
Aging Advocates, a group of area businesses and agencies in the Payne County area meet monthly to advocate for older adults. From their experiences, they innovate ideas and raise awareness of older adult issues. It is important to look at the developing needs of the aging population and support, educate, and identify services valuable to a life fully lived.