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| THE COLONY NEWS | JULY 2025 | 15 Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness is is a good time to learn about Alzheimer's and the strategies to promote a healthy brain and potentially reduce the risk of dementia. It's important to manage the numerous modiable health factors which also increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease: • Cardiovascular disease – including hypertension, stroke and high cholesterol • Type 2 diabetes • Obesity and poor nutrition • Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption • Depression • Head injury • Hearing Loss • Social isolation and lack of mental stimulation • Physical inactivity In addition to managing the above listed risk factors, the American Alzheimer's Association has recommended the following "10 Healthy Habits for your Brain:" Challenge your mind: Be curious! Learn a new skill. Try something artistic. Get moving: Engage in regular exercise. is includes activities that raise your heart rate and increase blood ow to the brain and body. Find ways to build more movement into your day — walking, dancing, and gardening — whatever works for you! Protect your head: Help prevent an injury to your head. Wear a helmet while biking, and wear a seatbelt. Be smoke-free: Quitting smoking can lower the risk of cognitive decline back to levels similar to those who have not smoked. It's never too late to stop. Control your blood pressure - Medications can help lower high blood pressure. Healthy habits like eating right and physical activity can help too. Work with a health care provider to control your blood pressure. Manage diabetes - Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or controlled by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and taking medication, if necessary. Eat right - Eating healthy foods can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Include more vegetables and leaner meats/ proteins, along with foods that are less processed and lower in fat. Maintain a healthy weight - Talk to your health care provider about the weight that is healthy for you. Eating right, exercising and sleeping well can help maintain a healthy weight. Sleep well - Good quality sleep is important for brain health. Stay o screens before bed and make your sleep space as comfortable as possible. Do all you can to minimize disruptions. If you have any sleep-related problems, such as sleep apnea, talk to a health care provider. Hospice Of The Valleys, Your Local Community Hospice A Note From The Doctor By Leslee B. Cochrane, MD; Executive Medical Director (951) 200-7800