Healthy Choices Benefit Your Brain
An estimated 10 million baby boomers (1 out of 8 people) will develop Alzheimer's disease in their lifetimes. According to the Alzheimer's Association, the disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the country, and it is the fifth leading cause of death among individuals 65 and older. There are many unanswered questions about Alzheimer's disease, but these facts are known: this progressive and chronic disease is the most common form of dementia and does not currently have a cure.
The University of Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (MADRC) is one of twenty-nine centers in the country which receives funding from the National Institute on Aging. As MADRC's Education Core Coordinator, Cassie Starback, MSW provides education about memory loss and brain healthy living. Starback helps all members of the community (not just U-M patients) who are affected by Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.. Disease information and utilization of community resources can provide hope and a sense of control over a disease that can leave people feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. Understanding that Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging is the first step in disease education, Starback says.
Starback also helps coordinate education programs that promote healthy lifestyle choices. She says, "Although we can't control the effects of aging, we can control many lifestyle factors." The Alzheimer's Association's national "Maintain Your Brain" program encourages people of any age to adopt a brain healthy lifestyle, which includes these four healthy behaviors:
- Eat a heart healthy diet
A low fat, low cholesterol diet is good for your heart and your brain. Vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidants, may help protect brain cells. - Routine exercise is good for your body and mind.
Physical activity can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and diabetes. It also helps maintain good blood flow to the brain. - Participate in activities that stimulate your mind.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, research has found that keeping the brain active seems to increase its vitality and may build its reserves of brain cells and connections. For example, cross word puzzles are a way to challenge your brain. - Maintain a social network.
One of the many benefits of social activity is reducing stress. According to the Alzheimer's Association, in the study of 800 men and women aged 75 and older, people who were more physically active, more mentally active or more socially engaged had a lower risk for developing dementia. Those who combined these activities did even better.
Starback says, "The key message is - maintain a healthy heart to maintain a healthy brain. It is important to keep the blood flow to the brain strong and healthy."
The total number of people with Alzheimer's disease is expected to triple by the year 2050. Whether or not you have a family history of the disease, you can start taking steps to keep your brain healthy now.
If you have any questions regarding MADRC's community services, please contact Cassie Starback, MSW, Education Core Coordinator, at 734-936-8764 or e-mail cassiem@med.umich.edu.
