As we age, our brains change, but Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, up to 40% of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed. It helps to understand what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to brain health.
Normal brain aging may mean slower processing speeds and more trouble multitasking, but routine memory, skills, and knowledge are stable and may even improve with age. It’s normal to occasionally forget recent events such as where you put your keys or the name of the person you just met.
People with dementia have symptoms of cognitive decline that interfere with daily life—including disruptions in language, memory, attention, recognition, problem solving, and decision-making.
Studies show that healthy behaviors, which can prevent some kinds of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease may also reduce your risk for cognitive decline. Although age, genetics, and family history can’t be changed, the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care suggests that addressing risk factors may prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases.
Here’s what you can do:
Quit smoking. Quitting smoking now may help maintain brain health and can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses. Free quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669
Maintain a healthy blood pressure level. Tens of millions of American adults have high blood pressure, and many do not have it under control. Learn the facts.
Be physically active.
Maintain a healthy weight. Healthy weight isn’t about short-term dietary changes. Instead, it’s about a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity.
Get enough sleep. A third of American adults report that they usually get less sleep than the recommended amount. How much sleep do you need? It depends on your age.
Stay engaged. There are many ways for older adults to get involved in their community.
Manage blood sugar. Learn how to manage your blood sugar especially if you have diabetes.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause dementia-like symptoms. If you have these symptoms, it is important to talk to your health care provider to find out if there are any underlying causes for these symptoms.
What To Do if a Loved One is Showing Symptoms
Talk with your loved one about seeing a health care provider if they are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia to get a brain health check up.
When the timing is right, talk about issues related to safety including driving and carrying identification. Symptoms of dementia include getting lost in familiar places, difficulty judging distance, determining color or contrast, and reading which can make driving especially difficult.
Help your loved one start gathering important documents such as their advanced health care directive or living will, durable power of attorney for health care, and financial or estate planning documents.
Schedule a family meeting. When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness, family meetings are important to ensure information is shared, to put care plans in place, and to help divide tasks among family members.
