By Rick Banas of BMA Management, Ltd.
In a presentation earlier this week at the Heritage Woods affordable assisted living community that we manage in Ottawa, Illinois, Terri Campion provided valuable information on dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and ways you can keep your brain healthy as you age.
Terri is Outreach Coordinator for the Central Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, which has its main office in Peoria and branch offices in Dixon and Quincy.
She spoke to residents and guests about “Brain Health & Successful Aging.” Here are a few highlights:
About Dementia
There are more than 70 different kinds of dementia.
One out of eight individuals 65 years of age and older and one out every two individuals 85+ have some form of dementia.
Some forms of dementia are reversible such as dementia that is due to the toxic effects of medication, infections (with urinary tract infections being among the most common), metabolic disorders such as diabetes, brain tumors, head injuries and depression.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia; more than five million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s.
Women are more likely than men to have Alzheimer’s because women live longer.
Losing your keys or your glasses or forgetting where you parked your car is normal. Forgetting what a car is, not knowing what a key is for, or putting things in the oven that do not belong there is not.
She reviewed the “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease,” which you can access by clicking here.
About Reducing Your Risk
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing dementia.
Keep your brain active. Studies show that people who challenge their minds have a lower risk of developing problems with remembering or thinking as they age.
Stay physically active. Even walking can help. Remember that if it is good for your heart, it is good for your brain because your heart supplies your brain with what it needs.
Stay curious and involved.
Keep informed about current events.
Do new and challenging things.
Campion stressed the importance of having purpose in life, maintaining social connections and staying engaged.
Other tips for good brain health included . . .
Getting a good night’s sleep.
Watching your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Letting your doctor know about any vitamins or supplements that you are taking in addition to medications.
For more information, you can visit the Central Illinois Chapter’s website at www.alz.org/illinoiscentral or call the Peoria Office at 309-681-1100; the Dixon Office at 815-285-1100; or the Quincy Office at 217-228-1111.
Information and help also is available through the Alzheimer’s Association 24-Hour Help Line at 1-800-272-3900.
The Central Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting Walks to End Alzheimer’s Disease in nine different locations in August, September and October. Here is the schedule:
- Illinois Valley Walk
1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21 at Baker Lake in Peru
Canton Walk
9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Wallace Park in Canton
Quincy Walk
5 p.m. Picnic and 6 p.m. Walk on Thursday, Sept. 1
At Clat Adams Park in Quincy
River Valley Walk
10 a.m. on Sat, Sept. 10, at Heritage Manor in Chillicothe
McDonough Walk
10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Citizens Bank Plaza in Macomb
Knox-Warren Walk
9 a.m. on Sat, Sept. 24, at Hawthorne Gym in Galesburg
Rock River Walk
8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Lowell Park in Dixon
Tazewell Walk
9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Mineral Springs Lagoon in Pekin
Peoria Walk
2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2 at the Peoria Riverfront
Visit www.alz.org/illinoiscentral or call 800-272-3900 for more information or to register.
Heritage Woods of Ottawa is an affordable assisted living community located in Ottawa, Illinois. The community serves adults 65 and older of all financial means, including those on Medicaid, who need some help to maintain their independence. You can call 815-431-1400 for more information.
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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