June is Alzheimer's Disease & Brain Awareness Month

June 02, 2015

Learn more at http://www.alz.org/abam/overview.asp

DID YOU KNOW??????

By learning the facts, you can help change the numbers.

Each time you talk about Alzheimer's disease, you help raise awareness and inspire action.

47 million worldwide
Worldwide, 47 million people are living with dementia.

604 billion USD per year
The annual global cost of dementia is $604 billion in U.S. dollars.

2030: 76 million people
The number of people living with dementia worldwide is set to skyrocket to 76 million by 2030.

In the United States, Alzheimer's disease is a triple threat.

• Every 67 seconds someone

in the United States

develops Alzheimer's.

• Alzheimer's disease is the
sixth leading cause of death
in the United States.

•Alzheimer’s is the only cause
of death in the top 10 that
can’t be prevented, cured or slowed.

10 Ways To Love Your Brain

Show your brain some love! Your brain is the command center of your body — and just like your heart, lungs and other critical organs, it deserves to be a priority when it comes to your health. Use these 10 tips to help reduce your risk of cognitive decline.

Break a sweat.

Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

Hit the books.

Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.

Butt out.

Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.

Follow your heart.

Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes – negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.

Heads up!

Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.

Fuel up right.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.

Catch some Zzz’s.

Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

Take care of your mental health.

Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

Buddy up.

Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community – if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an afterschool program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.

Stump yourself.

Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain.

Please help spread the word about Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Brain Diseases!