Do you know if this month is Brain Awareness Month or Alzheimer's Disease? Alzheimer's Disease, also known as Alzheimer's (often abbreviated as "Alzheimer's") and other brain disorders are on the rise in our aging society. The families of the patients and their family members can suffer a lot from these disorders. This is why it is important to educate people about the symptoms, causes and treatments available.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: What everyone needs to know about early detection, ongoing research and therapies and practical guidelines to maintain an active brain.

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the mind health, causing mental decline, memory problems, and behavioral changes. Most dementia cases are caused by the most common type. This accounts for between 60 and 80% of all dementias. It is believed that the condition results from an accumulation of beta amyloid plaques and tau proteins tangles in the brain. This leads to the death of neurons and loss of communication.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Dementia, a general term for cognitive impairments that includes Alzheimer's Disease, is a very broad term. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. However, there are other types, including:

Vascular dementia

Lewy body dementia

Frontotemporal dementia

Each type of dementia can have distinct symptoms, and different causes. To choose the best treatment plan and care, it is important to have an accurate diagnosis.

Early detection is important

Early detection of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia is important for many reasons. It allows individuals and their families to receive the right medical treatment, as well support and assistance to effectively treat the condition. It also allows patients to participate in clinical trials and studies to help us better understand these diseases and develop new treatment options.

Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms

Here are 10 Alzheimer signs you should be aware:

Memory loss can affect daily life

Planning or solving problems can be a problem

Even familiar tasks are difficult to accomplish

Confused by the time or date?

Visual images or spatial relationships are difficult to understand

Word problems when writing or inputting

Loss of things and the ability go backwards are two important abilities.

Low or declining judgment

Retirement from social or work activities

Changes in mood and personality

New Treatments and Research

Worldwide, researchers are investigating Alzheimer's and related brain disorders. There has been a significant amount of progress in the understanding of the causes and development of treatment options. Some areas of research include:

We are investigating the role of Genetics.

We examine lifestyle influences.

Researchers are researching potential therapeutic targets such as the reduction of beta amyloid plaques and tau protein knots within the brain.

There are currently clinical trials underway for a variety of experimental drugs and treatments. This offers the opportunity to develop new treatment options.

Keep Your Brain Healthy with These Tips

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but certain lifestyle choices can improve your brain health and reduce your risk of developing it. Here are some tips to help you:

Regular physical activity is important. Exercise increases the blood flow in your brain, which helps you stay mobile and maintain physical fitness.

Choose a healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins, as well as omega-3 fats.

Maintain a social and active lifestyle to improve your brain health and emotional wellbeing. Participate in educational activities, join community organizations and maintain solid social relationships.

Brain-teasing games include puzzles, reading and learning new techniques or instruments.

Sleep is important for the brain to store and replenish memories.

Take care of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood-pressure, and obesity. All are linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline.

Relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises can help you reduce stress.

Wearing the right protective gear for sports and other activities will help you avoid head injuries.

Smoking and drinking alcohol has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline.

Imagine that you or someone else in your family has memory loss or mental impairments. Consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Selecting a retirement home that encourages a healthy brain and cares for older adults with memory problems can help you benefit from an active mind and receive the attention required to address any cognitive concerns.

Enjoy Good Brain Health With Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury

Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury is a continuing care community (a life plan community) providing the highest quality living experience for discerning senior adults. The community is located on 165 acres outside the town of Irvington in Virginia's Northern Neck. Residents of RWC prefer to live there because they enjoy the peace and freedom of living in such a tranquil environment. RWC offers excellent memory care services in addition to supporting the brain health and well-being of its residents. The Small House is our most recent offering in the continuum, and it's a residence designed for people with mild to moderate cognitive impairments.

You're only 10 minutes from the Rappahannock River, the Rappahannock Bay, as well as other estuaries and rivers. You can enjoy all the activities that saltwater and freshwater locations have to offer. Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury Inc. is a Virginia nonprofit corporation affiliated with the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches. All religions are welcome. Find out more about the lifestyle and options we offer!