(Washington CH) -- The Alzheimer's Association Central Ohio Chapter is hosting an in-person education program in January that will provide participants with actionable tools to help protect their brain health.
The program "Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research" is being offered free to the community and will be held from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Carnegie Public Library, 127 S. North St. in Washington Court House.
Pre-registration is required. To register for this program, call the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
“Alzheimer's and dementia research efforts continually examine brain health, including how it relates to body health,” said Pam Myers, program director for the Alzheimer's Association Central Ohio Chapter. “This program uses the latest research results to offer practical tips you can put into place in your own life to help maximize the health of both your brain and body.”
For centuries, the connection between the health of the brain and body has been known, but now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help keep both your brain and body healthy as you age. Join this program to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.
Studies have shown that exercise and healthy lifestyle interventions could help improve cognitive function and quality of life for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition characterized by cognitive changes that could increase the risk of developing dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association 2022 “Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures.”
Additionally, physical activity, healthy diet, and staying socially and mentally active have long been listed among modifiable risk factors that could prevent or delay the development of dementia. Recent research also has found a tie between eating ultra-processed foods and risk of dementia.
“Putting these habits into place is helpful for individuals of any age, and the new year is a great time to start making lifestyle adjustments to help protect your brain health,” Myers said. “Please join us at this program to learn about tools you can put into place to improve your health, which can help prevent or delay both MCI and Alzheimer's disease and all other dementia.”
Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer's Association Central Ohio Chapter office at 614.457.6003 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources that can help.
The Alzheimer's Association Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year to those needing information, guidance or support. Specialists and master's-level clinicians offer confidential support and information about Alzheimer's disease and dementia to people living with the disease, caregivers, families and members of the public.
The helpline can assist with decision-making support, crisis assistance, general information about dementia, resources about legal, financial and care decisions, treatment options, and strategies to reduce caregiver stress. Individuals also can call to learn about programs and services near them. An interpreter service accommodates more than 200 languages. A “live chat” option and online assistance form are available at www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline.