Council on Aging Answers 2017 - 24

HEALTHCARE

COUNCIL ON AGING - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

a challenge with these activities:
n Write the days of the week backwards - then in
alphabetical order
n Write the months of the year in reverse alphabetical order
n Name three objects for every letter in your full
name
In Orange County alone, there are over 17,000
individuals diagnosed and living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and another 84,000 with
Alzheimer's Disease. The majority of the population
at risk for MCI can work these tools into their daily
life and reap significant
benefits. Taking steps
now may help you keep
your brain healthy and
keep your memories
for life.
If you suspect that
you or a loved one is
experiencing MCI, talk
to your doctor. You
may be given a short
test, or be referred to
see a neurologist who
specializes in memory
loss. Patients who begin taking steps right away to exercise their brains
tend to benefit the most, so early intervention is
best. You can also take part in support groups,
counseling, or an early stage memory loss education program like Mind Booster (offered in various
locations around the county). To view the list of
upcoming series, please visit www.afscenter.org/
mind-booster).
For more information about early intervention
programs, support groups, and other resources,
please contact Alzheimer's Family Services Center
(714) 593-9630 or visit www.afscenter.org.
Dr. Cheryl Alvarez is the Director of Clinical Research and Education at Alzheimer's Family Services
Center in Huntington Beach, CA

Really exercising
and challenging
our brains
requires us to
get out of our
comfort zones
and try some
new things.

Answers Guide 2017

Remember These
Tips for Brain Health
Socialize. Socializing helps us connect with others, use our language and verbal skills, and work on
attention and concentration. Experiencing pleasurable activities makes our brains work better too.
Join a social group and strike up a conversation, or
volunteer a few hours per week.
Exercise. Every part of your body, including your
brain, benefits from exercise. This is a way to get oxygen to the brain, think more clearly, reduce stress,
and help manage conditions such as hypertension
and diabetes that can lead to brain diseases.
Manage Stress. Remember the last time you
couldn't find your keys? The stress you experienced
as a result of worrying made it more difficult for
you to concentrate and think. Keeping your stress
in check will help you think and remember more
clearly. Create habits, like keeping your keys in the
same place. Get a smart phone, take a class, and
learn how to use it. Using technology tools is actually a proven way to help keep your skills sharp and
stress low, and to remember your appointments!
Work those Brain Muscles. Challenge yourself and
learn a new skill. Ballroom dancing? Painting? Learning new information creates new pathways in our
brains for information to travel, and helps us recall
information more effectively. This is particularly
helpful when the activities are enjoyable or meaningful.
Positive Mental Attitude. Consider the impact of
gratitude and focusing on the positive. This intentional state of mind boosts helpful endorphins and
neurotransmitters like dopamine, which help fend
off depression- one of the risk factors for dementia.
Overall Physical Health. Heart health affects brain
health. Maintaining low blood pressure, and eating
a balanced diet with Omega 3 fatty acids (fish is a
great source), green leafy vegetables, and whole
grains are good steps. Get regular checkups and
report any changes to your doctor.
Do these things really work? Yes, and it's not too
late to get started.

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http://www.afscenter.org/mind-booster http://www.afscenter.org/mind-booster http://www.afscenter.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Council on Aging Answers 2017