IN Mt. Lebanon Winter 2016 | Page 29

SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTHY LIVING Brain Games As you age, your brain continually changes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to your body and your mind. Just like it is important to exercise daily to keep your body in shape, it is equally as important to exercise your brain. Memory loss doesn’t occur simply due to aging, but because of brain injury, illness or disorders. Many of these issues are due to unhealthy habits or poor lifestyle choices that could be otherwise avoided. Dementia is one of the most common categories of brain diseases. A common misconception is that dementia is actually a disease, but it is not. Dementia is a term that defines a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life including impaired memory, communication and language, ability to focus, reasoning and judgment, and visual perception. At least two of the aforementioned symptoms must be severely impaired to indicate signs of dementia. Usually the signs and symptoms of dementia are progressive and get worse over time. If caught early by a healthcare professional, some symptoms can be treated. One of the most common types of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases. It causes severe problems with daily tasks that involve memory, thinking and behavior. It is not a normal part of aging, but the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, as the disease is progressive. While it is most common in people over the age of 65, younger-onset Alzheimer’s is found in five percent of people as young as their 40s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, evidence shows that incorporating the following habits will keep you fit both physically and mentally: Heart Health – Obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes—all risk factors for cardiovascular disease—negatively impact your cognitive health. Cardiovascular activity increases blood flow to the brain and body, reducing the risk of cognitive decline. u Helmet Up! – Brain injury is one of the leading causes of dementia and cognitive decline. Play it smart and always wear a helmet to protect from brain injury. u Sleep Tight – Have you ever stayed up late, only to find you’re forgetful and mentally lethargic the next day? Not getting enough sleep can result in lower brain function, affecting memory and thinking. u Be a Social Butterfly – Staying active with friends and loved ones may support brain health as well. A recent study from the Women’s Healthy Aging Project found that babysitting grandchildren could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. u Challenge Yourself – Enjoy crossword puzzles or painting? Keep your brain challenged by doing something new each day, whether it is learning a new language, doing a jigsaw puzzle or reading a book! u Eye and Ear Health Hearing and vision are two essential parts of our everyday lives. Yet there are many individuals who let ear and eye problems go unattended. Ear and eye health is equally as important as taking care of the rest of the body and should be well cared for to ensure many years of seeing and hearing the things you love. Eye Health It is important to visit your eye care professional once a year for a comprehensive eye exam. Although you may think you are seeing fine, issues may be lurking without any war