In July, the Alzheimer’s Association presented their Live Well As You Age Seminar at the Drake Center in Fort Collins. Host Angel Hoffman presented four speakers: PhD Rebecca Chopp, PhD Deanna Davalos, Physical Therapist, Dr. Maggie Thompson, and Amber Webb, MA Nutrition. The free seminar featured these four amazing guest speakers who shared the latest research and tips on how to stay socially and cognitively engaged. They also offered nutritional and exercise recommendations to maintain or improve your overall physical and brain health.
ALZ 2024 Live Well Presenters
Dr. Deana Davalos is a psychology professor at CSU. Deana emphasized that social engagement is important besides cognitive simulation, nutrition, & physical activity to prevent loneliness and isolation. According to the surgeon general, “loneliness is like hunger, a signal we’re lacking for survival.” These two factors have a 50% risk of getting dementia, 25% risk of early death, and 30% risk of having a stroke or cardiovascular disease.
People at the highest risk are living alone, can’t leave their home, loss of a spouse or partner or even retirement, struggle with money, have psychological challenges or depression, low social interaction, have trouble hearing, live in an isolated neighborhood, have language barriers where they live, experience racial, age, or discrimination, ethnic or gender identity, and not meaningfully engaged is social activities.
Research increasingly shows social interaction is crucial to your brain’s health! Think about these steps to resolve depression & isolation: 1) physical factors such as mobility issues, hearing loss, and incontinence, 2) psychological issues such as cognitive impairments, memory loss, and depression, 3) social factors such as financial concerns, transportation issues, and respite care.
External activities and meeting new people prevent isolation and promote health. Volunteering benefits you and others. Spending time with family, friends, and loved ones reduces depression.
Dr. Rebecca Chopp is a board member of the National Alzheimer’s Association and co-founder of Voices of Alzheimer’s. Rebecca explained how the Mediterranean Diet (MD) can reduce weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol besides reducing or eliminating many harmful diseases!
She recommends limiting processed foods, consume most food in whole form, choose whole grains, eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, consume less red meat, use extra virgin olive oil for cooking, eat moderate amounts of dairy products, enjoy res wine in moderation, use fresh herbs & spices instead of salt or sugar, enjoy your meals with family and friends and eat mindfully.
Dr. Maggie Thompson is the owner and founder of Refuge Physiotherapy in Windsor. Stay active with up to 150 minutes of weekly exercise both moderate in walking or gardening and vigorous in hiking or biking and be sure to hydrate with water. Make changes gradually as it takes 21 days normally to adjust to a new lifestyle.
There is aerobic exercise to keep your body active and strength training to keep your muscles in top shape.
Several studies indicated people of 70 years age or older had less brain shrinkage who exercised regularly and had less cognitive issues. Regular exercise reduced dementia by 28% and Alzheimer’s Disease by 45%!
Amber Webb is a consumer sciences specialist at CSU. Amber discussed proper nutrition and how it benefits the body. Overall, the seminar had lots of beneficial information for all ages!