25 May Case Managers – June 2022
BRAIN HEALTH
There is a lot of information available about brain health and it can be overwhelming! One thing that is glaringly clear, is that there are factors affecting brain health that cannot be changed, such as age related changes, injuries or genetics. There are also factors affecting brain health that we may be able to affect and in turn lessen our risk of developing dementia.
What can we do? It’s easy to get caught up in all of the information, but if you want to take action, read on. Let’s focus on what we can do to improve our brain health. Scientific research shows that having these things in your daily routine will make a difference.
1. Take care of your physical health. Get regular health screenings and manage any health conditions you have and also check medicine side effects that could affect sleep or memory.
2. Manage high blood pressure. Studies have shown high blood pressure in our 40s – 50s can increase risk of cognitive decline later.
3. Eat a healthy diet. What you eat can reduce risk of chronic diseases, but may also help keep our brains healthy.
4. Move. Do what works for you. This could be taking a walk daily, signing up for a class at the Senior Center or doing household chores. Moving regularly can improve strength, increase energy, help with balance and improve your mood, all of which contribute positively to brain health. If you are unsure what you can do, check with your health care provider.
5. Keep your mind active. Engaging in meaningful activities, volunteering, learning something new and having a variety of activities have all shown to have positive affects on brain health.
6. Stay connected. People who are involved in the world around them through meaningful activities, tend to live longer and feel a sense of purpose. Doing this with other people helps avoid isolation which can cause depression. Have you checked out the social hour at the Senior Center?
7. Manage your stress. Stress is a normal part of life and often motivates us, but chronic stress can increase our risk of dementia. Mindfulness, breathing and staying positive can help reduce stress. To learn more, go to the National Institute on Aging at nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older adults.
Well look at that! Aside from getting your regular health screening, there are ways to do all of the above right here at the Senior Center! We love to see new faces! (We like to see our regulars too!) Need a ride to get here? Give us a call at 608-845-7471 to set up a ride on our senior bus!
Take care,
Julie Larson, Lead Case Manager
ALZHEIMER’S & BRAIN AWARENESS
Awareness
Not only does this much anticipated month bring warm sun and the official first day of Summer, but it is also Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Lets take a few minutes to talk about what Alzheimer’s is and a few warning signs to watch out for in you and your loved ones.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease targeting the brain, impacting memory, behavior and other major functions. Often the words Alzheimer’s and dementia are used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Dementia is the umbrella term which covers a group of symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer’s is a specific disease and the leading cause of dementia. With more than 3 million cases in the US, this is unfortunately a very common disease. For more information on the differences, visit alz.org. specifically, their article titled “Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference?” Even with no known cure, there are steps that can be taken to slow the progression and strategies to implement NOW to safeguard your brain! For more information on brain health, check out Julie’s article on page 14.
Alzheimer’s Warning Signs:
While every case of Alzheimer’s is different, there are some general warning signs you can watch for. Here are a few:
1. Memory loss. It’s normal with age, but if it is disrupting daily life, that is call for concern.
2. Problem solving difficulties. Difficulty completing daily tasks that were once familiar, such as forgetting how to write a check or use the coffee pot you have had for years.
3. Confusion with time or place. People with Alzheimer’s often lose track of dates and the passage of time and can feel lost in familiar spaces.
4. New challenges with speaking or writing. Forgetting words, repeating phrases to themselves or stopping in the middle of conversation.
5. Poor judgement or inappropriate behavior. It is common in people with Alzheimer’s to act in strange ways different than their usual selves or exhibit certain behavior at inappropriate times. Drastic changes in mood and personality are common as well.
Have questions or concerns? Talk to a health care provider earlier, rather than later for best results.
Welcome to June everyone! It feels like it was Christmas just yesterday, I can’t believe the year is flying by like this. I hope you take advantage of our beautiful patio outside and soak up some of the sunshine this Summer!
Drake Deno, Case Manager