June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month
Friday, June 24th, 2022 -- 10:00 AM
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and Aspirus is using this opportunity to bring awareness to the brain disorder affecting one in nine people in this age group. The main signs of Alzheimer’s disease are memory loss and a decrease in intellectual function.
“We can expect to be a little forgetful as we get older due to normal age-related changes in the brain, says Hannah Oswald, a nurse practitioner who specializes in geriatric medicine at Aspirus Plover Clinic-Vern Holmes Drive. “But when individuals are having severe memory problems and trouble carrying out simple activities, these are signs that something more serious may be going on and shouldn’t be ignored.”
The National Institute on Aging says that normal forgetfulness may include things like occasionally overlooking a bill, misplacing things from time to time, forgetting what day it is but remembering later, or sometimes struggling to remember a word.
Possible signs of Alzheimer’s disease include trouble with basic tasks like paying for a purchase or counting change, putting things away in an odd place, like keys in the freezer, losing track of the date or time of year or trouble having a conversation. Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits.
Courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association, here are 10 Ways to Love Your Brain:
- Break a sweat,
- Hit the books,
- Butt out (no smoking),
- Follow your heart (be heart healthy),
- Heads up (protect your brain),
- Fuel up right (eat right),
- Catch some zzz’s,
- Take care of your mental health,
- Buddy up (stay socially engaged),
- And stump yourself (challenge your mind).
When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. Start now. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory problems, or you're concerned about changes in memory and behavior, your first step is to talk to your medical provider.
“Early detection and initiation of treatment can make a difference in how both the person with the illness and all of those around them cope with this very difficult diagnosis,” says Oswald. “There currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are medications and other therapies that can help manage some of the symptoms.”
Do not be afraid to ask for help, and do not wait to reach out if you have concerns about a loved one. Working together and working early is the key to the best possible outcome for all those involved.
Hannah Oswald, DNP, APNP, AGNP-C cares for patients at Aspirus Plover Clinic-Vern Holmes Drive. To schedule an appointment with her, call the clinic at 715-344-1600. To learn about Aspirus Health’s other clinic locations and providers, visit aspirus.org.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.