Alzheimer’s: Maintaining Brain Health While Aging
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley
As we age, our bodies go through a cycle. Throughout childhood, adolescence, and the years that follow, our bodies grow stronger and our brains develop to their fullest potential. As we move into the later years of our lives, our bodies and minds get older and need more attention. It is helpful to understand this cycle and to know what to expect, or what to watch for, so we can stay healthy throughout our lifetime.
This month we would like to focus on Alzheimer’s disease. With June being Alzheimer and Brain Awareness Month, it is a great time to learn about the causes and effects of this increasingly common disorder.
What is Alzheimer’s and how does it affect our brain?
Alzheimer’s is a disease that usually occurs later in life. It develops slowly over time and can cause people to lose their memories as well as their mental and physical abilities. It affects parts of the brain that allow us to accomplish daily tasks, both easy and complicated. It is the most common type of dementia – a term used to describe a number of diseases that affect the brain.
For example, someone with Alzheimer’s may not be able to remember where they went on vacation last year. A more extreme example is someone not being able to explain directions to their home; either because they cannot physically speak, cannot formulate a response, or are unable to comprehend the question.
What is the severity of Alzheimer’s to one’s health?
Alzheimer’s is very serious and over time is usually fatal. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but medical interventions can sometimes help to slow the progression of the disease and the associated symptoms. By understanding what symptoms to watch for, you will be better prepared to recognize and seek help during the earliest stages of the disease.
Some signs include:
- Memory loss
- Disorientation
- Anger or fear towards to family and friends
- Inability to speak
- Trouble swallowing
Click HERE to learn more about the what to look for.
Can Alzheimer’s be prevented?
At this time, this question unfortunately cannot be answered conclusively. Many doctors around the world along with top medical researchers are looking for answers to this question.
However, at Chapa-De we would like to take this opportunity to tell patients that although there is no cure for this disease and there is not much information on how to prevent it, that does not mean that making healthy lifestyle choices cannot affect your chances of getting it. Because this disease affects the brain, we are promoting ways to keep your brain healthy. That means:
- Make sure to exercise and take part in physical activity
- Don’t smoke
- Avoid binge drinking alcohol
- Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet, eating lots of fruits, vegetables and healthy proteins
- Create situations where your mind is stimulated by asking yourself questions
- This can be done by analyzing books that your reading or helping your kids or grandkids with their homework
- Click HERE to learn more about keeping your brain healthy
Chapa-De also offers a health and wellness classes every week, promoting a healthier and happier lifestyle. Click HERE or visit our website to learn more.
Alz.org
Harvard Health Publishing
Alzheimer’s: Maintaining Brain Health While Aging
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley
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Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley