June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. This annual month-long recognition is held to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and to promote brain health.
More than 6 million people are living with Alzheimer’s in the United States and numbers are expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, so taking care of your brain should be a crucial part of your routine.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease and What are the Signs?
Karen Sullivan, Ph.D., ABPP, a clinical psychologist with specialty training in clinical neuropsychology, explained what dementia disorders are and what to do if you see the signs.
“Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of brain diseases that cause changes in memory, thinking, communication and daily functioning,” she explained.
“While it can begin suddenly, dementia more often starts subtly. You may notice someone becoming more forgetful, repeating the same stories, getting confused in familiar places or struggling to follow steps in everyday tasks—like making a recipe or writing a check.”
Once these brain changes start to interfere with your daily life, Sullivan recommends talking to your primary care provider, who can refer you to a brain health specialist such as a neurologist or neuropsychologist.
Habits to Improve Brain Health
According to Sullivan, the best brain health habits are the ones you can stick with and make a part of your daily life.
Start with these basics:
- Move your body every day: Find ways to move your body that you enjoy. Walking, dancing or gardening all count.
- Eat for brain health: It’s important to focus on getting plants, healthy fats and whole foods in your body. Sullivan recommends the MIND Diet as a model.
- Prioritize sleep: Getting eight hours of sleep is important. Protect it like your best medicine.
- Stay connected: Regular social interaction is one of the most powerful protective factors for the brain.
- Challenge your mind: Try a new hobby, read something complex or learn a new skill where you continue to challenge yourself and develop more expertise.
- Mix it up: The brain loves novelty. Break out of your usual routines and give your brain something new to process.
- Get outside: Being in nature and letting go of the daily grind is a great way to reduce stress. Chronic stress impacts memory, mood and long-term brain function.
Getting Involved
There are many ways to spread awareness and get involved for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Sullivan recommends staying local and getting personal.
- Share your story: If you’ve been touched by dementia, speak more openly. It helps reduce stigma.
- Participate in a community event: Educational talks, walks or Music & Memory cafes are great ways to connect with others.
- Support a caregiver: Asking a caregiver how you can help goes a long way.
- Include a neighbor with a brain change: Make it a priority to stay socially connected to the folks in your neighborhood with brain changes.
If you’re looking for a hands-on way to get involved in the community, consider The Engaged Brains Project, a 60-person, volunteer-led community dementia initiative that aims to reduce the social isolation that too often accompanies a dementia diagnosis.
Sullivan launched the project as part of her Reid Healthcare Transformation Fellowship, sponsored by The Foundation of FirstHealth.
Podcast: Dementia vs. Alzheimer's
There can often be confusion about the differences between dementia and Alzheimer's. Neuropsychologist Karen D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP, discusses how caregivers can advocate for older family members who begin suffering from cognitive issues.
Listen
