HOT PURSUIT

For most of my life I never really gave much thought to brain health. That all changed, however, about two years ago when a family member was diagnosed with dementia.

Now I keep close tabs on any health information that comes out regarding Alzheimer’s disease. A recent news release from the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota urges people to make better brain health their top priority this year.

Alzheimer’s is expected to impact nearly 13 million Americans by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 99,000 Minnesotans are currently living with dementia, leaving many families like mine having to care for a loved one in ways never expected.

So, it becomes important for us to take important steps to maintain and improve our brain health.

Research has shown lifestyle changes like improving diet and exercising regularly have helped drive down death rates from cancer, heart disease and other major diseases. These same lifestyle changes may also reduce or slow your risk of cognitive decline, which is often a precursor to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

“There is increasing evidence to suggest that what is good for the heart is good for our brains,” said Jenna Fink of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Keeping our brains healthy is not something we should worry about only as we get older. It is an important, but often overlooked, area of health and should be a lifelong effort.”

The Alzheimer’s Association offers several healthy brain tips. They include: cutting back on “ultra-processed” foods, getting vaccinated with flu shots, managing your blood pressure and being social. Yes, that’s right, we’re encouraged to be social— hanging out with friends and having some fun. Certainly, it won’t be an issue for me.

Ultra-processed foods are those that go through significant industrial processes and contain large quantities of fats, sugar, salt and artificial flavors and colors. Examples include sodas, breakfast cereals, white bread, potato chips and frozen foods.

The Association says people who consume the highest amount of ultra-processed foods have a 28% faster decline in global cognitive scores compared to those with lower consumption.

Getting an annual flu shot has been associated with a 40% decrease in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease over the next four years.

Sadly, there is no way to prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementias currently. But, living a healthy lifestyle and adopting brain health habits may be just what we all need to ward off cognitive decline.

Speaking from somebody who has painfully watched a family member endure dementia and how it has altered his lifestyle, I encourage you to do whatever you can to lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and improve the functioning of your brain.

Going in hot pursuit of making better brain health should be one of your top priorities throughout 2023. You’ll not only be doing yourself a favor, but also your loved ones.