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HEADS UP FOR HEALTHIER BRAINS
What Everyone Should Know About Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Disease
Your Brain
• The brain is one of your most vital organs, playing a role in every action and every thought.
• Just like the rest of your body it needs to be looked after.
Alzheimer’s Disease
• A progressive, degenerative disease that destroys vital brain cells.
• Affects a person’s ability to think, remember, speak and even perform simple tasks.
• No known cause – No known cure• IS NOT A NORMAL PART OF AGING
Reduce Your Risk
• Some risk factors you cannot control:– Age– Family history
• Reduce other risk factors and improve your brain’s ability to sustain long-term health.
Take Action for a Healthier Brain
• Challenge your brain• Be socially active• Choose a healthy lifestyle• Protect your head
Challenge Your Brain
• Regularly challenging your brain may reduce risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
• Try something new• Change the way you normally do something
Challenge Your Brain
• Brush your hair with your non-dominant hand• Pick a different route to the grocery store• Play games – chess, cards, crosswords• Learn something new
Be Socially Active
• Social interaction appears to have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease.
• Pick up the phone• Get together with friends• Spend time with people who have a positive
outlook• Volunteer• Join a club
Choose a Healthy Lifestyle
• Healthy food choices• Be active• Track your numbers• Reduce stress• Choose wisely• See your doctor regularly
Choose a Healthy Lifestyle
• Make healthy food choices– Canada’s Food Guide
• 5 - 12 servings grains• 5 – 10 servings fruits and vegetables• 2 – 4 servings dairy• 2 – 3 servings meat & alternatives
Choose a Healthy Lifestyle
• Make healthy food choices– Limit sodium– Limit caffeine– Limit fat– Watch portion sizes
Choose a Healthy Lifestyle
• Make healthy food choices– Anti-oxidants– Omega 3 oils– water
Choose a Healthy Lifestyle
• Be active– Regular moderate physical activity
Choose a Healthy Lifestyle
• Track your numbers– Blood pressure– Cholesterol– Blood sugar– Weight– Waist circumference
Choose a Healthy Lifestyle
• Reduce stress– Relaxation– Meditation– What works for you?
Choose a Healthy Lifestyle
• Choose wisely– Avoid smoking– Limit alcohol consumption
Choose a Healthy Lifestyle
• See your doctor regularly– Annual check up– Specific health concerns
Protect Your Head
• Brain injuries, especially repeated concussions, are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease
• Wear a helmet• Use safety features to avoid falls• Wear a seatbelt
Take Action for a Healthier Brain
• Challenge Your Brain• Be Socially Active• Choose a Healthy Lifestyle• Protect Your Head
Genetics and Aging
• Genetics– Familial Autosomal Disease– Accounts for only 5 – 10 % of Alzheimer’s disease
• Age– Most significant risk factor– 1 in 13 over age 65– I in 3 over age 85
Heads Up
• It’s never too soon, it’s never too late
Additional Resources
• Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County242 Lauzon Road, Windsor519-974-2220
• www.alzheimer.ca• Canadian Standards Association www.csa.ca• Canada’s Food Guide www.hc-sc.gc.ca• Canada’s Physical Activity Guide www.hc-sc.gc.ca