By PAMELA GAROFOLO
As the seasons change and we settle into the routines of fall, many of us start thinking about our health. We schedule checkups, get back to regular activities, and look for ways to stay well in the months ahead. It’s also a great time to focus on an often-overlooked aspect of health: our brains.
Brain health plays an important role in how we think, communicate, remember, and connect with the world around us. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, research continues to show that certain lifestyle habits can support healthy aging and cognitive wellness.
Steps to Take Today
The encouraging news is that many of the habits that benefit the brain are the same ones that support overall health.
Regular physical activity helps increase blood flow throughout the body, including the brain. Staying socially engaged through friendships, volunteer work, community involvement, or group activities can help reduce isolation and promote emotional wellbeing.
Prioritizing quality sleep, managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, protecting hearing, and eating a nutritious diet also contribute to healthy aging.
Mental stimulation matters, too. Learning new skills, reading, solving puzzles, or taking classes can help keep the brain active and challenged.
While these habits cannot guarantee that someone will never develop dementia, they may help support cognitive function and quality of life as we age.
When Memory Changes Become a Concern
Most people experience occasional memory lapses as they age. Forgetting where you placed your glasses, struggling to recall a name at first, or missing an appointment from time to time are common experiences and are not necessarily signs of dementia.
Memory changes become more concerning when they begin interfering with everyday life. Examples might include repeatedly asking the same questions, getting lost in familiar places, having difficulty following conversations, struggling to manage finances or medications, or experiencing changes in judgment and decision-making.
If you or someone close to you notices changes that seem unusual or persistent, it may be time to start a conversation with a health care provider. Seeking information early can help individuals and families better understand what is happening, access appropriate resources, and make informed decisions about next steps.
Finding Support
When You Need It
The Shores is UMC’s full-service senior living community in Ocean City and a resource for individuals and families seeking information about brain health, memory support, and aging well. Located at 2201 Bay Avenue, The Shores offers educational opportunities and programs designed to help people navigate these topics with confidence.
As easy way to stay informed is through UMC’s Abundant Minds e-newsletter. Each month, readers receive educational resources and program calendars related to brain health, dementia, caregiving, and support services.
For individuals focused on brain health or those experiencing mild cognitive changes, The Shores also offers the Abundant Minds Cafe. This free, monthly program provides a multi-faceted, non-pharmacological approach to cognitive wellness. Participants can join at any time and engage in education and activities focused on socialization, physical activity, cognitive training and cognitive reserve, and lifestyle and nutrition.
As we move into a new season, consider making brain health part of your wellness journey. Focus on the habits that support healthy aging, stay informed, and remember that help is available if concerns arise.
To learn more, please visit DiscoverTheShores.org or call us at 609-399-8505.
Pamela Garofolo is VP of Program Excellence at The Shores, a UMC Community.
