June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: Learn 10 ways to love your brain | Guest Column | Thetribune

This June, during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, join the Alzheimer’s Association to help raise awareness of this devastating disease. You can start by learning and sharing 10 Ways to Love your Brain.

Nearly six million people in the United States, including 76,000 Coloradans, are living with Alzheimer’s disease. The sixth-leading cause of death and the only leading disease without a prevention, treatment or cure, Alzheimer’s kills more Americans every year than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body:

• Break a sweat: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

• Hit the books: Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.

• Butt out: Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.

• Follow your heart: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke — obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes — negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.

• Heads up: Brain injury can raise risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.

• Fuel up right: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.

• Catch some ZZZs: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

• Take care of your mental health: Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline. Seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

• Stump yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits for your brain.

• Buddy up: Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your community — if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. Enjoy singing? Join a local choir or help at an afterschool program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.

Celebrate The Longest Day

Every year during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association celebrates the summer solstice (June 20) and encourages individuals to undertake activities they love to raise funds to find a cure for the disease.

“The Longest Day is the day with the most light, so it is the day we fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s,” said Amelia Schafer, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. “There are individuals doing everything from biking cross-country to baking cupcakes to playing marathon bridge — doing what they love to raise funds and help us put an end to this disease.”

To learn more about The Longest Day, to start your own activity or support another’s, go to alz.org.

Jim Herlihy is Senior Marketing & Communications Director for the Alzheimer’s Association: Colorado Chapter.