Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness in Scottsdale

Did you know that Alzheimer’s is one of the leading causes of death in the United States? June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, marking the perfect time to educate on the risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s and how to lower your risk.

Risk Factors of Cognitive Decline and Dementia

There are many risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Some can be changed to reduce risk, while some cannot. Experts believe that Alzheimer’s develops due to a variety of factors. Thus, managing the risk factors you can, may help reduce your risk for developing Alzheimer’s.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

The greatest risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s are the ones that cannot be changed. The greatest of them is age. This is because the vast majority of those with Alzheimer’s are 65 or older. As age increases, the percentage of people living with Alzheimer’s increases dramatically. For example, of those 85 or older, 35% have Alzheimer’s. That being said, it is important to note that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, nor is old age alone enough to cause Alzheimer’s.

• Age
• Genes
• Family history

Modifiable Risk Factors

While your age, genetics, and family history cannot be changed, several other risk factors can be managed to reduce your overall risk of cognitive decline and dementia. They include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Smoking
• Diet
• Physical activity
• Education
• Cognitive/social engagement
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular health
• Sleep
• Sensory loss
• Diabetes
• Air pollution

Brain Health Recipe

To better understand modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s, the Alzheimer’s Association initiated the U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk. The results of the study allowed them to develop their Brain Health Recipe, which consists of four parts:

• Physical Exercise: 20-25 minutes of moderate/intense aerobic activity four times a week, with strength and flexibility exercises twice a week.
• Health Monitoring: Regular check-ins on blood pressure, weight, and lab results
• Nutrition: Adherence to the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), which emphasizes dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, fish, and limiting sugar and unhealthy fats.
  Cognitive Exercise: Computer-based brain training program three times a week for 30 minutes, plus regular engagement in other intellectually challenging and social activities.

Local Resources

Alzheimer’s Association Arizona Chapter – whether it’s offering support to anyone facing Alzheimer’s, advocating for the needs and rights of those facing dementia, or advancing critical research, they work toward methods of treatment, prevention, and ultimately, a cure.

Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium – provides a directory of resources on the Web that will assist you in learning more about what is known of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, and what kinds of new research are being conducted across the country and in other places in the world.

How Can Griswold Help?

If you or a loved one is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, Griswold can help. Caring for a loved one with memory loss requires an added level of care, compassion, and patience. Early on, clients may need occasional reminders or assistance with everyday tasks and personal hygiene. Later-stage Dementia care can require significantly more assistance. Behavioral changes are common, and family members may struggle to understand or manage care. Many Griswold Caregivers have experience supporting patients with memory loss.

We can provide Caregivers throughout the Valley, including Scottsdale, Phoenix, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, and more. Whether you need help with personal care, homemaking, or are looking for some companionship, we are here to help you Live Assured. We can come in for a few hours a week for respite care in Scottsdale and all the way up to 24/7 care in Phoenix. We can often have a Caregiver at your home within 24 hours. Call us today to learn more.