As the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s has climbed to more than 7 million for the first time, including 236,200 in Ohio, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging all Ohioans to take charge of their brain health.
Two thirds of Americans have at least one major potential risk factor for dementia. The brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms start, which suggests that there may be a substantial window of time in which to intervene in the progression of the disease.
Experts believe there isn’t a single cause of Alzheimer’s and it is likely to develop because of multiple factors. While not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, the greatest known risk factor is advancing age. Although some risk factors like age can’t be changed, as many as 45% of dementia cases may be avoided by modifying risk factors, such as controlling blood pressure and engaging in physical activity. Research shows that adopting healthy behaviors — like not smoking and good quality sleep — can improve brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
“Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month offers the perfect opportunity for Ohioans to take charge of their brain health,” said Melissa Zapanta Shelton, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area and Greater East Ohio chapters.
“We want people to know there are steps they can take to keep their brains healthy. We encourage anyone experiencing memory or thinking problems to talk to their doctor. There are many possible causes – and if it is Alzheimer’s disease, there are numerous benefits to getting a timely diagnosis, including treatments now available if it is diagnosed early.”
The Alzheimer’s Association is offering five suggestions for taking charge of brain health and spreading awareness:
• Incorporate healthy habits that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline — Based on mounting scientific evidence, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages individuals to incorporate habits, such as challenging the mind and eating healthier foods, to help protect brain health. It’s never too early to take charge of your brain health.
• Learn the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia — Many people equate Alzheimer’s to normal aging. There are common signs that can signal dementia rather than aging, including altered judgment, mood changes, challenges in decision making, and planning and carrying out projects. While some memory changes can be a normal part of the aging process, when these changes interfere with daily living or stray drastically from the person’s normal behavior, it’s best to get them checked.
• Be proactive in addressing memory and thinking problems — Studies show many individuals experiencing memory and thinking problems often put off discussing them with a doctor. However, early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementia offers the best opportunity for care, management and treatment. It also provides those diagnosed with more time to plan for the future, participate in clinical trials and maintain a higher quality of life for as long as possible. Treatments that can slow disease progression in the early stages are now available, making a timely diagnosis critically important.
• Help accelerate disease-related research — Clinical trials hold the key to new and better treatments. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, caregivers and healthy volunteers are needed to participate in clinical trials that help advance research. Today, more than 50,000 participants are needed for current Alzheimer’s clinical trials examining potential new treatments – with hundreds of thousands more needed in broader dementia research studies.
• Volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association — As an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, you can help those in your community take steps to reduce their dementia risk and recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s. Our education and support programs are flexible and easy to learn, giving you the opportunity to become a leader in the effort to end Alzheimer’s. An added benefit is that research shows volunteering is good for the brain.
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