By Rick Banas, Vice President of Strategic Marketing for BMA Management, Ltd.
During a talk on April 14, 2010, at the Heritage Woods of Ottawa affordable assisted living community, a representative of the Alzheimer’s Association stressed the importance of using your brain to help reduce the risk of brain loss.
Terri Campion is Outreach Coordinator for the Central Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She was providing information about Alzheimer’s disease and the services available through the Alzheimer’s Association to residents and guests of Heritage Woods.
Among the points she stressed were the following:
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease; the brain cells in your head are dying.
Five Million Americans are now dealing with Alzheimer’s disease.
Maintaining good brain health is vital as research has shown that even after the age of 65, brain cells are being reproduced.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are medicines available that can help with the quality of life.
Generally, what you do to maintain good health will lead to good brain health. “A Heart Healthy Diet is a Brain Healthy Diet.” Physical exercise that keeps the blood flowing can help keep oxygen flowing to the brain.
You need to work your brain or lose it. Reading, writing, playing games and doing crossword puzzles are among the suggestions.
If you suspect memory loss, consult a neurologist or a gerontologist to for a diagnosis. Reasons for memory loss can include a change of medication, mini-stroke, dehydration and other forms of dementia in addition to Alzheimer’s disease.
Representatives of the Alzheimer’s Association are available to consult with families about medical, legal and financial issues.
They also have all kinds of printed materials available, including
- 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
- 10 Ways to Maintain Your Brain
- 10 Ways to Help a Family Living with Alzheimer’s.
Information is available at the Central Illinois Chapter’s website at www.alz.org/illinoiscentral or through their offices in Peoria, Quincy, and Dixon. A 24-Hour Helpline is available at 1-800-272-3900.
All affordable assisted living communities managed by BMA Management, Ltd. are certified and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. All assisted living communities are licensed and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“BMA Management, Ltd. is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
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