June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. There are many ways to participate in Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Purple is recognized as the official color of the Alzheimer’s movement and people are encouraged to wear purple all month long to show their support.
Alzheimer’s facts
Worldwide, there are an estimated 47 million people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and without a change, these numbers are expected to grow to 76 million by 2030.
It will cost America 236 billion dollars this year to care for Alzheimer’s patients, and may cost up to one trillion dollars by 2050 if a cure has not been found.
Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan. Ultimately, those with the disease will lose their ability to communicate, recognize family and friends, and care for themselves.
There may be hope
Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body.
These lifestyle habits include:
- Quitting smoking
- Having healthy cardiovascular health
- Exercising
- Challenging your brain
- Formal education – taking a class
- Getting enough sleep
- Having social interaction
- Taking care of your mental health
- Eating a balanced diet
Incorporate A Brain Healthy Diet
Certain foods rich in antioxidants and Omega 3 may improve brain health and function. There is a lot you can do to keep your brain healthy as you age. Just open your mind to a brain healthy diet and keep moving. Exercise is essential and most effective when combined with a brain healthy diet.
Other things you can do include:
- Manage your body weight for overall good health of brain and body.
- Reduce your intake of foods high in fat and cholesterol.
- Increase your intake of antioxidant rich foods such as spinach, brussel sprouts, red grapes and plums.
Go purple
Remember to wear purple this month and spread the word about the importance of brain health. Together, we can make a difference with awareness and action.
While the shocking statistics of loved ones being affected by this chronic disease rises – Alzheimer’s alone is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States – coaches who know how to work with this population have never been more in demand. Expand your toolkit today with the newly available training program, Reversing Cognitive Decline (RCD).