Laura Kennedy from WDIO.com tells us:
"2011 is the year the first baby boomers hit age 65, which is entering the age of increasing risk of dementias of any kind," said Esther Gieschen, Regional Director of the Alzheimer's Association.
Gieschen says more cases are also popping up because of new treatments and cures for other illnesses. "The irony is the treatments we have for other diseases are helping us live long enough to get this one," she said.
The seminar also addressed a common misconception that our brains simply deteriorate as we get older. Neuroscientist Janet Fitzakerley says new research proves aging brains are more than capable of staying strong and sharp.
"Your brain is all about connections between the cells," she said. "The more connections you make and the more different ways they have to function, the more circuits you make. If you lose one circuit, you have another to back you up."
There's no cure for Alzheimer's or dementia. But studies show folks who are "brain healthy" have a reduced risk for developing these diseases.
"Staying mentally active, doing different things, learning new things, keeping a lot of social interactions, not becoming isolated," said Gieschen. "Those things are believed to help."
"Going to art museums, going to theater productions, anything that keeps your brain busy can strengthen those connections," Fitzakerley said. Early detection is critical in Alzheimer's and dementia cases. It won't prevent the disease, but it can make treatment more effective.
For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524
No comments:
Post a Comment