Alzheimer’s Awareness in November
Posted by admin
Howard Jamison asked:
The Baby Boom Generation is aging and the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia disorders is expected to rise to between 11 and 16 million people by the year 2050. The number has doubled since 1980 and has already affected over 5 million Americans.
This anticipated increase of the disease may exceed the medical community’s ability to cover the additional costs of care needed for those affected. This shows the need for innovative research and new treatments.
Did you know that:
Smoking after age 65 increases your chances of developing Alzheimer’s by 79%?
Obesity in midlife makes you 3 1/2 times more likely to have Alzheimer’s? · Diabetes makes you twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s? Genetics account for only about 25% of Alzheimer’s cases? Chronic stress may quadruple your risk?
The Alzheimer’s Association has identified 10 early warning signs that should prompt families to seek diagnosis and treatment. Early detection helps increase the chances for getting medical care that can relieve symptoms and provide for a longer period of independence.
7 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
1. Memory loss - disrupts daily life and is a sign that usually includes forgetting information, dates and events.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems - when a person can no longer keep track of monthly bills or follow a simple plan.3. Confusion with time or place - when one begins to lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time.
4. Misplacing items and inability to retrace steps - when the person begins to place objects in unusual places or accuses others of stealing.
5. Diminished judgment - suddenly having poor judgment with money.
6. Withdrawal from work or social activities - suddenly giving up hobbies, social activities, work projects and sports.
7. Changes in mood and personality - sudden displays of confusion, suspicion, depression, fear and anxiety.
In the meantime, there are preventative measures that can be taken to delay or prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
7 Prevention Steps For Alzheimer’s Disease
1. Follow a Mediterranean diet - avoid trans fats and red meat as much as possible. Eat foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, whole grains, and nuts.
2. Daily fruit and veggies - eat daily servings of berries and green leafy vegetables.
3. Supplement your diet - taking vitamins, herbs, and amino acids may provide additional brain protection. Folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and fish oils are believed to preserve and improve memory.
4. Plenty of exercise - at least 30 minutes five times per week. Simply taking a brisk walk can increase the cardiovascular exercise needed.
5. Keep the mind active - read, solve puzzles, & brain teasers. Look for activities that exercise the brain.
6. Regular rest and sleep - Going to bed and getting up at the same time. Dim the lights and have comfortable temperature in the room.
7. Avoid stress and learn to relax - turn off your stress with quiet, deep, abdominal breathing. Regular meditation, prayer or reflection may help prevent the damaging effects of stress.
Don’t delay, start today, as it is never too late to begin a new habit for your health!
Hands On CPR
The Baby Boom Generation is aging and the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia disorders is expected to rise to between 11 and 16 million people by the year 2050. The number has doubled since 1980 and has already affected over 5 million Americans.
This anticipated increase of the disease may exceed the medical community’s ability to cover the additional costs of care needed for those affected. This shows the need for innovative research and new treatments.
Did you know that:
Smoking after age 65 increases your chances of developing Alzheimer’s by 79%?
Obesity in midlife makes you 3 1/2 times more likely to have Alzheimer’s? · Diabetes makes you twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s? Genetics account for only about 25% of Alzheimer’s cases? Chronic stress may quadruple your risk?
The Alzheimer’s Association has identified 10 early warning signs that should prompt families to seek diagnosis and treatment. Early detection helps increase the chances for getting medical care that can relieve symptoms and provide for a longer period of independence.
7 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
1. Memory loss - disrupts daily life and is a sign that usually includes forgetting information, dates and events.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems - when a person can no longer keep track of monthly bills or follow a simple plan.3. Confusion with time or place - when one begins to lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time.
4. Misplacing items and inability to retrace steps - when the person begins to place objects in unusual places or accuses others of stealing.
5. Diminished judgment - suddenly having poor judgment with money.
6. Withdrawal from work or social activities - suddenly giving up hobbies, social activities, work projects and sports.
7. Changes in mood and personality - sudden displays of confusion, suspicion, depression, fear and anxiety.
In the meantime, there are preventative measures that can be taken to delay or prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
7 Prevention Steps For Alzheimer’s Disease
1. Follow a Mediterranean diet - avoid trans fats and red meat as much as possible. Eat foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, whole grains, and nuts.
2. Daily fruit and veggies - eat daily servings of berries and green leafy vegetables.
3. Supplement your diet - taking vitamins, herbs, and amino acids may provide additional brain protection. Folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and fish oils are believed to preserve and improve memory.
4. Plenty of exercise - at least 30 minutes five times per week. Simply taking a brisk walk can increase the cardiovascular exercise needed.
5. Keep the mind active - read, solve puzzles, & brain teasers. Look for activities that exercise the brain.
6. Regular rest and sleep - Going to bed and getting up at the same time. Dim the lights and have comfortable temperature in the room.
7. Avoid stress and learn to relax - turn off your stress with quiet, deep, abdominal breathing. Regular meditation, prayer or reflection may help prevent the damaging effects of stress.
Don’t delay, start today, as it is never too late to begin a new habit for your health!
Hands On CPR
