June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

By Robin Bush, ISR Communications

According to a new study at New York University, for Americans, the risk of developing dementia after age 55 is now 42 percent, and that rises to over 50 percent among those over 75.

Can we do anything to help protect our brains?  Yes, we can.  Although some cases of cognitive decline are genetic, other contributing factors may be hypertension, obesity, diabetes, poor diet, lack of exercise, loss of hearing, and mental health.  Cardiovascular health is critical in preserving brain health as compromised circulation reduces oxygenation in the brain.  This means we must focus on daily exercise, eating well, and maintaining a reasonable weight for our age.  And, as uncorrected hearing loss significantly raises the likelihood of dementia, it is essential to have regular hearing tests and to supplement hearing with hearing aids if hearing declines.

Educating yourself on the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention strategies for cognitive decline is important. Information on Alzheimer’s and other conditions involving brain functioning is available from several reliable resources:

  • Alzheimer’s Association: A leading organization in Alzheimer’s research and support, offering a 24/7 Helpline, Caregiver Center, Alzheimer’s Navigator, and educational resources.
  • Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: Provides resources, support groups, memory screenings, and educational materials for Alzheimer’s patients. They also host events and awareness campaigns during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in November.
  • National Institute on Aging: As part of the U.S. government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers a wealth of Alzheimer’s and dementia information, resources, and ongoing research studies.
  • Dementia Society of America: A nonprofit organization that raises awareness, provides support, and offers resources for individuals and families dealing with dementia.
  • Family Caregiver Alliance: Offers resources and support specifically for family caregivers of adults with cognitive and memory impairments. Their services include fact sheets, webinar trainings, and an online caregiver support group.

For those Americans diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive challenges, the impact extends into the lives of their families, friends, and caregivers, who all need information, support, and assistance from their community.  Island Senior Resources’ Resource Specialists are here for you.  Call 360-321-1600 to learn how we can help. Caregivers must develop support systems and learn good self-care.  Speaking with peers and guidance from experts in support groups can help.  ISR has a Caregivers Support Group that meets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. on Zoom and in Bayview in-person, and there is a Memory Café Group for those with cognitive impairment and their care partners that meets at the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 12:30.

If you can educate yourself, commit time daily to improving your health, and reach out to others for support, you will make significant strides toward a healthier brain and improved future well-being.