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