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Ending Alzheimer’s

This coming Saturday, Willow Brook will be sponsoring the Delaware Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a walk through downtown Delaware to raise funds for Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Unlike other diseases we may encounter in our lives, Alzheimer’s has no cure. 

Many of us know or have known someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, but fewer people understand the signs and symptoms, often mistaking them for “normal age-related forgetfulness.” But here’s the thing: memory loss that alters your day-to-day life is not a typical part of the aging process. Even if it is painful to do so, we need to educate ourselves about what to look for, both in ourselves, and others, like our loved ones and friends. 

Below, we’ve listed 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s to look for, adapted from the Alzheimer’s Association. Note: If you or anyone you know are exhibiting one or more of the signs, please consult a doctor as soon as you can, or encourage the person you know to do so. Knowledge is power, as is early detection and diagnosis.

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks 
4. Confusion with time or place

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

Here at Willow Brook, both of our memory care units at Delaware Run and the Village are full with waiting lists. We also know that many families are struggling to care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia at home, sometimes risking their own health to do so. As the Baby Boomers enter their golden years, it has become apparent that care options will need to exponentially increase, as will trained caregivers, in order to respond to and manage dementia symptoms and to keep people safe. Already, there are 55 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

So, what can people do now to care for their brain to make it more resilient as they age? Let’s start with prevention. We love this list from the Alzheimer’s Association:

10 Ways to Love Your Brain

1. Break a sweat

Exercise! Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

2. 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.

3. Butt out

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

4. Follow your heart

Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke — obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes — negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart!

5. Heads up

Brain injury can raise your 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.

6. 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.

7. Catch some Zzz’s

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

8. Take care of your mental health

Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

9. Buddy up

Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community — if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an after-school program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.

10. 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.

Marian Wright Edelman, the founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, wrote a book entitled, “The Sea Is So Wide, And My Boat Is So Small.” This is how many of us feel when it comes to grasping the immensity of Alzheimer’s Disease: our efforts seem to be a drop in the bucket. Yet, we carry on. We light our candles rather than curse the darkness. One way we fight is to walk. This Saturday, we’ll hold up our flowers, shed a tear or two when we look out at the crowd, and stand in solidarity with caregivers, people diagnosed with the disease, and their friends, loved ones, and other people who care. Then we’ll walk through downtown Delaware to remind folks that we’re still fighting. We’d love for you to join us, in person or in spirit. Click here for our walk page, where you can register and/or donate. 

May we live to see the first person cured.  

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