Is It Time for a Healthy Brain Check-up?

Posted on

Jan 22, 2021

Ever struggle to remember what day it is? It happens to all of us and some types of memory loss is perfectly normal. Yet, some types are early signs of dementia and possibly mild to moderate Alzheimers Disease. What signs do we look for? Lets compare normal age-related memory changes and dementia symptoms. And how you can be pro-active in your brain health.
NORMAL AGE RELEATED MEMORY CHANGES:

Able to function independently and pursue normal activities, despite occasional memory lapses
May pause to remember directions, but does not get lost in familiar places
Judgment and decision-making ability the same as always

SYMPTOMS THAT MAY INDICATE DEMENTIA:

Difficulty performing simple tasks (paying bills, dressing appropriately, washing up); forgetting how to do things you have done many times
Gets lost or disoriented even in familiar places; unable to follow directions
Trouble making choices; May show poor judgment or behave in socially inappropriate way

KEEP YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY EIGHT PILLARS OF BRAIN HEALTH:

Stay Active take the stairs instead of the elevator
Eat Well choose brain healthy foods such as: dark leafy vegetables, berries, dark chocolate
Sleep Well establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine, limit daytime napping, avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime
Exercise Your Brain try learning a new language or volunteer
Connect invite friends for coffee, go dancing, use social media to stay connected
Relax & Reduce Stress learn how to say no, set clear boundaries with others
Control Risk Factors get regular check-ups, know your family medical history, be more active
Get Involved with Research speak with a research volunteer about his/her experience, contact your local research center

HAVE A HEALTHY BRIAN CHECK-UP:
Research clinics like ClinCloud provide memory assessments and are administered in the clinic by a certified memory assessor or from the comfort of your own home via telehealth. Amemory assessmentinvolves general questions around personal, social, and work life as well as specific questions concentrating onmemoryand mood. A cognitive assessment provides a baseline of your cognitive health in order to track your brain functioning over time and personalized recommendations on ways to optimize cognitive functioning, over time. It is your choice, so why not give it a try!
This article was submitted by Jessica Branning, Chief Executive Officer, ClinCloud Clinical Research and may be reached at 407.636.4031 or jbranning@myclincloud.com

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