Page 50 - Harnett Life Summer 2022
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3 Tips to Maintain Brain Health
(Family Features) Many people are fearful of developing Al-
zheimer’s disease, especially those with a family history of the
condition. Researchers are investigating innovative treatments Alzheimer’s Facts
for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, but no cure exists right
now. • More than 1 in 9 people ages 65 and
older has Alzheimer’s disease, accord-
There are steps people can take, however, to help maintain
and support their brain health. These activities often help with ing to the Alzheimer’s Association.
physical and emotional health and are generally positive habits • Black adults are twice as likely to de-
to foster, especially as people age. In fact, a report from “The velop Alzheimer’s compared to white
Lancet” found the risk of dementia is lower among people who adults, according to the National Insti-
adhere to these healthy habits:
tute on Aging.
1) Get Physical • Hispanic or Latino adults are 1.5
According to Harvard Medical School, exercise keeps the times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s
brain healthy by helping release chemicals that support the de-
velopment of new nerve cells and connections between brain compared to white adults, according to
cells. Exercise also improves mental health, blood pressure the Alzheimer’s Association.
and the regulation of blood sugar, all of which can impact the • According to the Alzheimer’s Associa-
development of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and other
dementias. Staying physically active can become more diffi- tion, 1 in 3 seniors dies with dementia.
cult if someone’s health declines, but doctors and other medi-
cal providers can share ways to maintain physical activity even
Page 50 Harnett Life ~ Summer 2022
