We are
excited to recognize Brain Awareness Week from March 14
through March 20. Sponsored by The Dana Foundation, this campaign aims
to increase awareness around brain health as well as highlight all the progress
made in brain research. Its also a perfect time to think about our own brain
health and ways we can support it with little habits each day.
Our
brains are incredibly complex organs so much so that we are still discovering
new information about them, even after years of study and research. From
understanding how we process large amounts of information to making sense of
our dreams, our brains offer a seemingly endless fountain of curiosity and
possibility.
Of
course, with the complexity of the brain comes the complexity of the conditions
and diseases that affect it. Alzheimers disease, for example, is a form of
dementia that robs a person of their memory and severely affects their quality
of life and oftentimes the entire support system surrounding the individual
including their friends, families, and professional caregivers. To date, there
have been amazing scientific advancements and milestones helping
us to understand this disease and how it changes the brain, but unfortunately
there is not a cure. However, research has shown that the brain changes
associated with the development of Alzheimers and other forms of dementia
occur many years before symptoms of memory loss. This insight into the brains
health shows us the importance of promoting brain health as we age.
As we
celebrate Brain Awareness Week, lets think of ways we can be good to our
brains and consider adopting a few of our recommended strategies to support the
health of your brain today!
Eat a
brain-healthy diet. Quite simply, a healthy diet can
improve your health in a lot of ways, but it can also promote healthier brain
function. According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are benefits to
eating a diet low in saturated fat and full of dark-skinned fruits and vegetables,
and leafy greens, such as kale and blueberries. Cold water fish and some nuts
are good options, too. As research shows, eating sugary
snacks and soda may reduce brain function so try to limit or replace those
items with healthier alternatives.
Exercise
daily (or at least try to). In addition to healthy eating, exercise
offers countless benefits to our bodies, from helping to reduce depression to
supporting our cardiovascular systems. The brain also benefits tremendously
from exercise. With each heartbeat, our brains receive up to 20 percent of the blood
flow, which brings oxygen and other nutrients to keep it going at an optimal
level. Studies have also shown that the brains of
older women with mild cognitive impairment who exercise regularly showed an
increase in the size of their hippocampus, the part of the brain that acts as a
filing system for new information or the place where new memories begin to
form. Since those with mild cognitive impairment are at an
increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
Despite
the benefits, finding the motivation to exercise can be a challenge. From busy
schedules to the cost of pricey gym memberships, we find reasons to put off
exercising. A good first step for those who arent sure how to start is to try
a bunch of different ways of being active and finding one that works for your
body and schedule so you can sustain it. Perhaps its walking, swimming or even
dancing. The key is to start small and slowly with the goal of building the
regimen up over time.
Be
social and keep learning. Just as physical exercise
strengthens the body, exercising the brain by remaining socially engaged and
learning new things can actually support a healthy brain by building up
its cognitive reserve. At Sunrise, we do this
through one of our Live with Purpose signature programs: Live With Learning. Using a variety of
activities including book clubs, discussion groups and even trivia, residents
can engage in active recall which can support the building of new neural
pathways. Cognitive stimulation can not only maintain brain health but also
help older adults feel connected and engaged.
At
Sunrise, were proud to celebrate healthy brains this week and all year long
with a delicious, nutritious meals, toolkits, activities, and exercise in our
communities, and several interesting and exciting resources thanks to our
partnership with Total Brain Health.
This
Brain Awareness Week, take some time to appreciate all the ways we can focus on
having even healthier brains by fostering good habits today. Lets all make an
effort to be aware of all that we can do to support brain health not only
during this important week but also during every week of the year!
Article By:Sunrise Senior Living
