The Alzheimer’s Association encourages Ohioans to think about their brain health and the benefits of building healthy habits during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in June. There are nearly 7 million people aged 65 and older in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s or some type of dementia, including 236,200 in Ohio.
The lifetime risk for the disease at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men. The brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s are thought to begin 20 years before symptoms start, which suggests that there may be a substantial window of time in which we can intervene in the progression of the disease. Older Black adults are twice as likely as older white adults to have Alzheimer’s.
Experts believe there isn’t a single cause of Alzheimer’s, and it’s likely the disease develops as a result of multiple factors. The greatest known risk factor is advancing age. Although some risk factors, like age, cannot be changed, others may be modified to reduce risk. It is estimated that addressing modifiable risk factors might prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers these suggestions for taking charge of your brain health and reducing your risk:
1. Incorporate healthy habits that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The Alzheimer’s Association encourages individuals to incorporate 10 Healthy Habits to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. It’s never too early to take charge of your brain.
2. Recognize the early warning signs. Many people equate Alzheimer’s with memory loss, and while that is one of the most common signs, there are other signs of cognitive decline, including altered judgment, mood changes, and challenges in decision-making and carrying out projects. Some memory changes can be a normal part of aging, but when changes start interfering with daily living or stray drastically from a person’s normal behavior, it’s best to get it checked. Find the 10 signs at alz.org/10signs.
3. Proactively address memory and thinking problems. Many individuals experiencing memory and thinking problems often put off discussing them with a doctor. Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia offer the best opportunity for care, management and treatment. It also provides individuals more time to plan for the future, participate in clinical trials and live a higher quality of life. There are now treatments that may slow disease progression in the early stages, making a timely diagnosis critically important.
4. Help accelerate disease-related research. Clinical trials hold the key to treatment. Individuals living with the disease, caregivers and healthy volunteers are needed for clinical trials that help advance research. Today, 55,000 volunteers are needed for 180 clinical trials. TrialMatch® is a free, easy-to-use service that connects individuals with appropriate trials.
5. Volunteer. According to research presented at the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, volunteering is associated with improved cognitive function. Volunteers make an impact on the lives of people facing Alzheimer’s and are passionate people who work to fight this devastating disease, honor loved ones, and bring care and support to those who need it.
Nationwide, one in three older adults dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. In Ohio, there are approximately 236,200 individuals aged 65 and over living with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report. About 414,000 family caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year in Ohio, valued at more than $11.4 billion.
Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter at 216-342-5556 or the Greater East Ohio Chapter at 330.966.7343 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources. For more information, visit alz.org/abam.
