HEADS UP FOR HEALTHIER BRAINS What Everyone Should Know About Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Disease

Your Brain The brain is one of your most vital organs, playing a role in every action and every thought. Just like the rest of your body it needs to be looked after.

Alzheimer’s Disease A progressive, degenerative disease that destroys vital brain cells. Affects a person’s ability to think, remember, speak and even perform simple tasks. No known cause – No known cure IS NOT A NORMAL PART OF AGING

Reduce Your Risk Some risk factors you cannot control: –Age –Family history Reduce other risk factors and improve your brain’s ability to sustain long-term health.

Take Action for a Healthier Brain Challenge your brain Be socially active Choose a healthy lifestyle Protect your head

Challenge Your Brain Regularly challenging your brain may reduce risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Try something new Change the way you normally do something

Challenge Your Brain Brush your hair with your non-dominant hand Pick a different route to the grocery store Play games – chess, cards, crosswords Learn something new

Be Socially Active Social interaction appears to have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease. Pick up the phone Get together with friends Spend time with people who have a positive outlook Volunteer Join a club

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Healthy food choices Be active Track your numbers Reduce stress Choose wisely See your doctor regularly

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Make healthy food choices –Canada’s Food Guide servings grains 5 – 10 servings fruits and vegetables 2 – 4 servings dairy 2 – 3 servings meat & alternatives

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Make healthy food choices –Limit sodium –Limit caffeine –Limit fat –Watch portion sizes

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Make healthy food choices –Anti-oxidants –Omega 3 oils –water

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Be active –Regular moderate physical activity

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Track your numbers –Blood pressure –Cholesterol –Blood sugar –Weight –Waist circumference

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Reduce stress –Relaxation –Meditation –What works for you?

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Choose wisely –Avoid smoking –Limit alcohol consumption

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle See your doctor regularly –Annual check up –Specific health concerns

Protect Your Head Brain injuries, especially repeated concussions, are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease Wear a helmet Use safety features to avoid falls Wear a seatbelt

Take Action for a Healthier Brain Challenge Your Brain Be Socially Active Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Protect Your Head

Genetics and Aging Genetics –Familial Autosomal Disease –Accounts for only 5 – 10 % of Alzheimer’s disease Age –Most significant risk factor –1 in 13 over age 65 –I in 3 over age 85

Heads Up It’s never too soon, it’s never too late

Additional Resources Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County 242 Lauzon Road, Windsor Canadian Standards Association Canada’s Food Guide Canada’s Physical Activity Guide