Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is about coming together to learn about the disease, search for a cure, and comfort those affected.

In only 1-5% of people have genetic differences to cause Alzheimer’s been identified – Which means the causes are largely unknown. Beyond the search for a cure, the best thing we can do is keep our lives full and our brains and bodies healthy.

THE 6 PILLARS OF ALZHEIMER’S PREVENTION

1. Regular exercise – at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week
2. Healthy diet – Drop the tobacco and alcohol and get in your servings of vegetables, beans, whole grains, fish, and olive oil.
3. Mental stimulation – If you’re not getting it at work, make sure Facebook and Cable TV aren’t your only activities after hours. Learn something new, read books, play brain teasers. The options are endless but don’t let your brain ever embrace complacency.
4. Quality sleep – Most people need 7-8 hours. Sleep is ESSENTIAL for brain health. Putting it on the backburner for work or a Netflix marathon could have lasting repercussions. Check out this TED Talk on the importance of sleep by Arianna Huffington.
5. Stress management – Try meditation or scheduling quick, midday activities that soothe you.
6. An active social life – All work and no play is bad for your brain health. Don’t feel guilt about enjoying a night out with friends. It’s good for you!

See a more complete list on Alzheimer’s and Dementia prevention here.

Quick Facts About Alzheimer’s:

Donate!

• Alzheimer’s Association (General)
• Alzheimer’s Association (Directory)

Sources

• Wiki (Alzheimer’s Disease)
• ALZ.org
• HelpGuide.org