January is Alzheimer's awareness month
January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Canada.
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—and behavioural abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities
alertness, orientation, emotion, behaviour, memory, perception, language, praxis, problem solving, judgment, and psychomotor activity
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, behaviour, and affects daily activity that progresses gradually over time.
"Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells, causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate over time. Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, and is irreversible.” - Alzheimer.ca
The Village Health Clinic Community is here to support anyone impacted by Alzheimers
Modifiable risk factors for dementia include:
- Exercise
- Wear safety belts and helmets
- Metabolic & Cardiovascular disease (blood pressure too high or too low
- Fall prevention & Making sure your home is safe
- Review medication with a health care provider (some medication can be causing cognitive decline)
- Have your vision checked
- Get enough, quality sleep (7-8 hours per night)
- Diet
- Supplements & Vitamins (anti-oxidants are important)
- Alcohol Intake
- Avoid smoking
- Addressing mood & stress
- Environmental/ Air quality
- Hormone Health (healthy estrogen is protective cognitively)
- Social Connections
- Keeping your brain active
There are no proven modalities for preventing Alzheimers, but evidence suggests that healthy lifestyles can reduce the risk of developing the disease. Our naturopathic doctors can help find the best supplements for your health needs.
