Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

By Arshia Verma

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia among the general public, health professionals, public authorities, and policymakers. Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss and a decline in cognitive abilities. Unfortunately, it is a progressive disease, which means that the symptoms gradually worsen over the years. As of 2021, 6.2 million Americans over 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s, and this number is expected to double by 2050. 

While there is a genetic component to developing Alzheimer’s Disease, there are many lifestyle choices that can prevent the onset and severity of the disease, such as... 

• Maintaining a heart healthy diet that allows you to control your blood pressure, diabetes, and weight under control 

• Exercising on a regular basis

• Avoiding head injuries by taking proper precautions while playing sports, sitting in the car, biking, etc. 

• Working on challenging puzzles, games, riddles, etc. that engage your brain

• Getting a sufficient amount of sleep

• Staying socially engaged

A large percentage of Alzheimer’s cases can be prevented if people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s are more mindful about their heart and brain health. In fact, challenging your brain during these 4 decades of your life can help decrease the speed at which the disease affects your brain. This means that even if you do develop Alzheimer’s Disease, you may be able to function a lot longer than someone who did not challenge their brain during their early years. 

Along with this month’s goal of increasing awareness of the disease for the patients, it also strives to honor the tireless work of caregivers, family members, and scientists who are actively working towards finding cures.