Healthy Living for

The HELLO Project

Inventor Thomas Edison once said, “The chief function of the body is to carry the brain around.” The human brain, the most vital organ of all, is the one we sometimes neglect when we think about eating well and staying active.

Research is now showing, however, that what benefits our body can also benefit our brain. We are learning that healthy living, which includes nutrition, physical activity, social connection and cognitive activity, can benefit our brain too.

Many of us notice changes as we age, such as graying hair and a few more wrinkles, and these changes are normal. Differences in memory or thinking, however, are the kind of changes that can sometimes precede or indicate cognitive decline. The good news is there are practical strategies that might be able to help.

By taking care of our brains as well as our bodies, we might be able to reduce our risk of cognitive decline, and remain in better health for longer. The Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research program offered by the Alzheimer’s Association® is designed to provide information based on current research around ways to help us do just that.

By learning more about how we age and how the brain works, we can better understand the aspects of aging over which we can have some control. These can include lifestyle and some environmental factors, as well as habits we can adopt to help influence those factors as we age. Here are four areas where healthy habits can lead to better health overall:

• Physical health and exercise: Studies suggest that engaging in physical activity is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. Some studies even indicate that exercise might directly affect the brain by increasing blood flow and oxygen, and decreasing other risk factors such as high blood pressure. Even mild activity, such as a daily walk, could help. So, start small, do something you enjoy and let’s get moving!

• Diet and nutrition: Science has shown that some foods can help us age well; reducing our risk of heart disease and maybe dementia. Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, whole grains, fish and lean meats are more nutrient and vitamin (HELLO page 24)

We invite you to join us for "IT STARTS WITH HELLO" , a virtual community gathering held every Tuesday and Thursday at noon .

We feature local experts covering topics including wellness, local news and events, financial advice and more. We have a lot of fun, laugh and share. It's a chance for seniors to engage with others in our community. It's kind of like a happy hour at lunchtime!

Plus, it's easy! You can call in or join us on video. Call 1-669-900-6833 or visit https://zoom.us Meeting ID: 962 6929 5417

For questions or for more information please call us at 775-982-6319 or visit HelloStartsNow.org.

dense and may lower our risk of cognitive decline. To create a plan that works for you, meet with a trusted medical provider who knows your health issues and can help.

• Cognitive activity: This simply means keeping our minds active by playing games or reading material that is challenging. Research suggests that stimulating our brains through learning new things creates new pathways and helps keep our brains nimble. In turn, this can help us to recall information better and might provide protection against brain diseases. Build some furniture, complete a challenging jigsaw puzzle, learn a new hobby, and you are helping exercise your mind.

• Social engagement: Some research indicates that connecting with others socially may benefit brain health and possibly even delay the onset of dementia. We are not sure why or if social connection can help build brain resilience, but we do know that people who are isolated do not do well. Getting together with family or friends, volunteering or taking a class are all things we can do in a virtual way at this time and can help us feel good about our social connections. In fact, right here in Reno we have our own virtual gathering place – The HELLO Project’s “It Starts With Hello” – where you can mingle with your peers every Tuesday and Thursday at noon via Zoom or by telephone. (See the advertisement in this month’s issue of Senior Spectrum or go to the website www.hellostartsnow. org for more information).

The good news is that research is starting to show that up to a third of all dementia cases might be preventable by addressing lifestyle factors. Recent scientific evidence suggests people can take positive steps now to protect their memory and thinking.

Participants in a study in Finland showed improved memory and other thinking skills after just two years of lifestyle changes that included a healthier diet, more exercise, increased intellectual and social stimulation, and better management of heart and vascular health.

Scientists are starting to say that these interventions may make a difference and, with more evidence appearing, it is becoming clear that they probably do.

By taking a holistic approach to wellness as we grow older, and considering the many factors that contribute to overall health, we can make small changes that can have a cumulative effect and help us live as well as possible.

So, let’s start today! Take a walk, plan a nutritious meal, call a friend, attend the “It Starts with Hello” noontime show, or take an online education class. It is never too early or too late to start living in a healthier way.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides care, support and education to all those affected by Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org/nevada to learn more.