RCAHD Community Health Update
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From the moment we are born, our brains are constantly changing. In infancy and adolescence, the neural networks in our brains experience periods of enormous growth. These brain networks are essential- they help us learn, think, remember, and organize our memories. As we age and learn, we develop larger vocabularies and greater knowledge from our accumulated experiences. Yet, by the time we are 30-40 years old, our brains typically start to shrink in different places, and we may experience more challenges finding words, recalling names, multi-tasking or paying attention.
We have learned that the brain maintains its ability to change and adapt so that as we age, we can manage new challenges and tasks. Just as we take care of our heart to live a long life to our best potential, we need to take care of our brain for our cognitive health. While brain health can be affected by age-related changes, other causes of change can include injuries such as stroke or traumatic brain injury; mood disorders such as depression or substance use disorder; and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias, some of which have genetic predispositions.
Dementia
Dementia is a general term referring to a loss of cognitive function—remembering, thinking, and reasoning—severe enough to interfere with everyday life. Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term describing a wide range of symptoms. It is not part of the typical aging process, rather it is caused by damage to the brain from disease or trauma. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Other causes include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Ways to Protect Your Brain
While we cannot control our genes, there are many environmental and lifestyle factors that we can control to reduce our risk of cognitive decline.
- Preventing or controlling high blood pressure in midlife- ages 40s to 60s- helps both our heart and brain.
- Being physically active (adults are recommended to get at least 2-3 hours of walking or other physical activity each week) also helps our hearts and brains.
- Participating in programs that teach people how to move more safely and help prevent falls, a common cause of serious injury, including injuries to the brain.
- Improving specific skills appears to help maintain cognitive health in older adults. While current available evidence does not support claims that playing certain computer or online games can improve your memory and thinking, research does support that some activities such as music, dance, creative writing or learning new skills such as quilting or photography can improve cognitive health.
- And one of the most important things: Staying connected.
Staying Connected with Social Activities
Data from studies with more than 7,000 participants ages 65 and older determined that social engagement, such as visiting with family or doing volunteer work, was associated with better cognitive health. To strengthen your social connections, consider volunteering or joining a group focused on an activity you enjoy, such as walking.
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Loved Ones
If you have concerns about your own cognitive health, or you suspect your loved one may be affected, learn about normal changes with aging and those that indicate the need for a checkup:
- Ask your loved one to obtain a complete medical checkup. If they have Medicare, ask their health care professional for the Medicare Annual Wellness exam that includes screenings such as detection of cognitive impairment.
- Learn how hearing loss can affect memory loss.
- Make it a priority to complete legal, financial, and advance care planning, including essential planning documents.
- If you are a caregiver, taking care of yourself is one of the most important steps you can take.
When your needs as a caretaker are taken care of, your loved one will benefit too. The person experiencing the cognitive changes, caregivers, and other companions on this journey will need information, support, and guidance along the way. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association, or visit the Virginia Family Caregiver Solution Center at vf.virginianavigator.org to find resources.
Sources:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/brain-health/how-aging-brain-affects-thinking
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/156/2023/01/Dementia-Road-Map-GuideHyperlinks2FINAL.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/prevention/index.html
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/hearing-aids-slow-cognitive-decline-people-high-risk