South Carolinians encouraged to make brain health a priority by Alzheimer’s Association

Columbia, SC (06/06/2021) - With COVID-19 vaccines rolling out throughout the nation, many People are wanting ahead to resuming their lives and returning to regular. This June, throughout Alzheimer’s & Mind Consciousness Month, the Alzheimer’s Affiliation is encouraging South Carolinians of all ages to make mind well being an vital a part of this transition.

“The previous 12 months has been extraordinarily difficult for many People,” mentioned Cindy Alewine, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Affiliation South Carolina Chapter. “Continual stress, like that skilled throughout the pandemic, can impression reminiscence, temper and nervousness. As we start to return to regular, we encourage people to take steps to advertise their very own mind well being and well-being.”

To supply extra details about way of life selections that promote mind well being, the Alzheimer’s Affiliation is providing free digital lessons on “Wholesome Dwelling for Your Mind and Physique” throughout the month of June, in addition to basic lessons on Alzheimer’s and dementia. To register or to request a presentation for a bunch or office, go to alz.org/sc or name 800.272.3900.

Within the meantime, the Affiliation provides these 5 recommendations to assist prioritize mind well being:

1. Recommit to Mind-Wholesome Fundamentals

Many specialists agree that individuals can enhance their mind well being and cut back the chance of cognitive decline by adopting wholesome way of life habits, ideally together, together with:

● Exercising recurrently to assist improve blood stream to the physique and mind. There's sturdy proof that common bodily exercise is linked to higher reminiscence and considering.

● Sustaining a heart-healthy weight loss plan stuffed with vegetables and fruit to make sure a well-balanced weight loss plan. Particularly, the Mediterranean and DASH diets are linked to higher cognitive functioning, and assist cut back threat of coronary heart illness as properly.

● Getting common, uninterrupted sleep, Adults ought to get not less than seven hours of sleep every night time, which advantages bodily and psychological well being and helps clear waste from the mind.

● Staying socially and mentally energetic. Join with family and friends and have interaction the thoughts by finishing a jigsaw puzzle, taking part in technique video games or studying a brand new language or musical instrument.

2. Return to Regular at Your Personal Tempo

Many People are anticipating a return to regular life following the pandemic, however others are anxious. In reality, one recent survey discovered that just about half of adults (49%) really feel uncomfortable about returning to in-person interactions when the pandemic ends. For these feeling anxious, the Alzheimer’s Affiliation suggests taking small steps. It might even be vital to set boundaries and talk your preferences to others in your social circles.

3. Assist Others

Analysis exhibits that serving to others in a disaster may be an efficient strategy to alleviate stress and nervousness. One study printed throughout the pandemic discovered that adults over age 50 who volunteer for about two hours per week have a considerably diminished threat of dying, increased ranges of bodily exercise and an improved sense of well-being. Take into account volunteering in your neighborhood, operating errands or delivering meals to a home-bound senior or donating to a favourite trigger, akin to supporting members within the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day event on June 20.

4. Unplug and Disconnect

Whereas know-how has saved us linked by way of COVID-19, it has additionally created fatigue for a lot of. Specialists warn that extreme stimulation coming from our telephones, computer systems, social media sources and information studies can add to our already heightened nervousness ranges. To keep away from know-how overload, specialists advise setting limits in your display time, not carrying your telephone in all places, and disconnecting from digital units at bedtime.

5. Management Your Stress Earlier than it Controls You

In small doses, stress teaches the mind how one can reply in wholesome methods to the surprising, inconvenient or disagreeable realities of each day life. Extended or repeated stress, nevertheless, can put on down and harm the mind, resulting in severe well being issues together with melancholy, nervousness problems, reminiscence loss and elevated threat for dementia. Reviews point out that Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are particularly susceptible to bodily and emotional stress. The Alzheimer’s Affiliation provides tips to help manage caregiver stress, akin to meditation, train, listening to music or returning to a favourite exercise you missed throughout the pandemic.

“It’s vital to know there are steps we will take to minimize the stress and nervousness we is likely to be feeling—and it’s okay to begin with small steps,” Alewine mentioned. “Do what works greatest for you, and make it one thing you may keep on with.”