When you think of your aging loved ones, strategies and lifestyle changes for preventing dementia become top of mind.The Kensington Falls Church prides itself on championing and partnering with seniors, caregivers, and their families.Thats why were holding an educational virtual panel on brain health: Care.Cure.
Prevent.This session is specifically designed to focus on dementia prevention, offering insights into care strategies and the latest in Alzheimers research and treatment options.We invite you to participate in our local watch party or connect with us virtually to gain valuable knowledge and support.Moderated by Lauren Miller Rogen, co-founder of Hilarity for Charity (HFC), the panel will feature top experts from renowned institutions such as UCLA, Cedars-Sinai, Stanford, and the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center.Together, they will delve into breakthroughs in dementia and Alzheimers research and innovative care techniques to help caregivers understand the disease and combat challenges.Dont miss this opportunity to learn from leading specialists and discover new ways to support loved ones.Our esteemed panel of experts includes:Dr.Travis Urban of the Dolby Memory CenterDr.Irina Skylar-Scott of StanfordDr.
Sarah Kremen of Cedars Sinai Medical CenterDr.Leila Parand of the University of California, Los AngelesOur promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.What is dementia?Dementia is not a single disease but a general term that encompasses various specific medical conditions, including Alzheimers disease, which is the most common.The condition is described as a group of symptoms that severely affect memory, thinking, and social abilities and interfere with daily functioning.The cause of dementiaDementia is primarily caused by the damage to or loss of nerve cells (neurons) and their connections in the brain.One of the main culprits behind this damage is protein deposits that form plaques and tangles in the brain.These protein clumps, particularly associated with Alzheimers disease, interfere with the brains functioning ability.They disrupt the communication between brain cells and trigger inflammatory responses, ultimately leading to cell death.Although the exact reason why these proteins accumulate is still not fully understood, they are a central factor in the development of dementia.The different types of dementiaAlzheimers disease: Characterized by plaques of beta-amyloid protein and tangles of tau protein in the brain.Vascular dementia: Caused by microscopic bleeding and blood vessel blockage in the brain.Lewy body dementia: Involves abnormal aggregates of the protein alpha-synuclein in the brain.Frontotemporal dementia: Linked to the degeneration of the brains frontal and/or temporal lobes.Mixed dementia: A combination of two or more types of dementia.The 5 best lifestyle changes for dementia preventionTaking proactive steps toward dementia prevention can significantly impact brain health.Scientific research supports the idea that lifestyle changes, particularly in physical activity, diet, and mental engagement, can help reduce the risk of dementia or delay its onset.1.
Get active to boost brain healthRegular exercise enhances blood flow and oxygen to the brain, supporting the growth of new brain cells and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.Action step: Engage in activities like walking, cycling, or swimming for at least 150 minutes per week, and add strength training twice a week to improve overall brain function.2.Eat smarter for a sharper mindDiets rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish, such as the Mediterranean and MIND diets, can decrease inflammation and protect against brain aging.Action step: Incorporate more leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids into your meals.Cut back on red meat, sweets, and high-fat dairy.3.
Challenge your brain regularlyCognitive activities stimulate brain function, helping to build a reserve of healthy brain connections and potentially delaying the onset of dementia symptoms.Action step: Solve puzzles, engage in reading, learn new skills or languages, and stay socially active to keep your brain engaged and resilient.4.Moderate alcohol intakeKeeping alcohol consumption in check can help maintain brain health and prevent alcohol-related neurodegeneration.Action step: Stick to the recommended limit of one drink per day for women and two for men.5.Quit smoking for brain protectionSmoking impairs blood circulation to the brain and contributes to the onset of dementia-related conditions.Action step: Take advantage of smoking cessation programs and support groups, or consider medical interventions to quit smoking effectively.Managing health conditions to prevent dementiaTo lower your or your loved ones chances of developing dementia, its important to keep an eye on chronic health conditions, especially hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.These health issues can directly impact your brains health and contribute to cognitive decline.Chronic illnesses that can worsen dementiaHypertension and Stroke: High blood pressure isnt just bad for your heart; it can also harm your brain.
It can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels in your brain, setting the stage for strokes or vascular dementia.Regularly checking your blood pressure can help you keep it in a healthy range and reduce these risks.Diabetes: This isnt just about stabilizing your blood sugar levels to protect your kidneys and eyes.Poor blood sugar control can also lead to blood vessel damage that affects your brain, increasing the risk of dementia.
Managing your diabetes carefully can help protect your brain as well.High Cholesterol: When cholesterol builds up, it narrows blood vessels, limiting blood flow to the brain and potentially leading to memory problems or other cognitive issues.How to manage chronic illness to prevent dementiaStay on top of your blood pressure by regularly monitoring.Manage your diabetes effectively to keep blood sugar levels under control.Keep cholesterol in check with regular checkups to keep arteries clear and the brain well-supplied with blood.Preventing dementia with The Kensington Falls ChurchAt The Kensington Falls Church, we are committed to excellence in Alzheimers and dementia education and care within our assisted living and memory care community.Our two neighborhoods of memory care include Connections for those in the early stages of memory loss and Haven for those needing more advanced dementia care.Our community offers much more than just assisted living and memory care.We also offer physical rehabilitation for seniors, all-day nutritious dining, and various educational events to support caregivers and their loved ones.To learn more about how we fulfill Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own, contact The Kensington Falls Church to schedule a tour.
Publisher: Kensington Senior Living ( Read More )
