(Hey everybody look what ChatGpt did with my crappy notes!)
Good morning everyone. My name is Julia Savalli, and I am an Education and Support Worker with the BC Alzheimer’s Association. Today, I want to talk to you about brain health, dementia, and what we can do to support both ourselves and our loved ones in maintaining cognitive well-being.
Our brain is an incredible organ, responsible for every aspect of our daily lives—from decision-making and memory to movement and emotional regulation. We often take our brain for granted until we start to notice problems. But what exactly makes a brain healthy? A healthy brain allows us to function optimally, ensuring that we respond appropriately to our surroundings and maintain independence.
Natural Aging vs. Dementia
One of the greatest fears many of us have as we age is the possibility of developing dementia. However, it’s important to clarify that dementia is not an inevitable part of aging.
Natural aging can lead to some forgetfulness, such as occasionally forgetting a conversation, a name, or an event. It may also include word-finding difficulties from time to time.
Dementia, on the other hand, involves more significant memory issues, such as frequently forgetting recent conversations, struggling to recall the names of close family members, or experiencing frequent pauses when speaking. Dementia is a medical term used to describe a variety of symptoms that result from physiological damage to the brain. It is progressive, and short-term memory loss is often one of the first signs.
Reducing the Risk of Dementia
While dementia is a serious condition, there is good news: we have control over more than 40% of the risk factors that contribute to its development. It is never too late to make positive changes because the brain is plastic—it has the ability to create new neural pathways throughout life.
Key Strategies for Brain Health:
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Memory Training: The process of remembering involves three steps—observing, coding, and consolidating information. Actively working on memory exercises can strengthen these functions.
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Brain Exercise: Engaging in new activities, maintaining interests, being creative, and staying productive all contribute to cognitive resilience.
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Brain Teasers & Challenges: Keeping the brain stimulated with puzzles, learning new skills, or engaging in strategic games can help maintain cognitive function.
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Quality Sleep: A good night’s sleep is essential. Sleep allows the brain to flush out toxins and form new neural pathways. Poor sleep can lead to irritability, lack of energy, and slower cognitive function.
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Heart & Brain Connection: What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. This includes proper nutrition, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, getting regular hearing tests, and engaging in physical and social activities.
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Nutrition: A balanced diet with a variety of colorful foods, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy body weight all support brain function.
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Head Protection: Assessing your environment and minimizing risks for falls or injuries helps prevent head trauma, which can impact brain health.
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Physical Activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, along with strength training, is the number one factor for maintaining brain health.
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Social Activity: Staying socially connected and engaging with others helps maintain cognitive function and emotional well-being.
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Stress Management: Chronic stress negatively impacts the brain. Finding effective ways to manage stress, such as mindfulness, hobbies, or exercise, is essential for long-term brain health.
Resources and Support
At the BC Alzheimer’s Association, we are committed to providing education and support to individuals and families affected by dementia. We offer:
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Dementia Education Webinars & Workshops
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One-on-One Support & Support Groups
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Minds in Motion Programs
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First Link Dementia Helpline
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Online Resources at Alzbc.org
Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia
Early detection is key to managing dementia effectively. Some common early warning signs include:
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Poor judgment or decision-making
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Increased forgetfulness
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Getting lost in familiar places
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, reaching out for support can make a significant difference.
Final Thoughts
The journey of maintaining brain health is a lifelong commitment, but it is one that offers hope and empowerment. By making conscious lifestyle choices, engaging in lifelong learning, and staying connected with our communities, we can all take steps toward a healthier brain and a better quality of life.
Thank you for your time today. I encourage you to visit Alzbc.org for more resources, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Let’s work together to build a future where brain health is a priority for all!
Web Site www.alzheimerbc.org
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