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| Courtesy Infographic from Alzheimer's Disease International |
“Never too early, never
too late” is this year’s World Alzheimer’s Month campaign. World Alzheimer’s
Month is every September of each year to bring awareness of the risk factors
and to prevent dementia. Also, to reduce the risks if you have been diagnosed
with dementia. There are many risk factors that make the onset of dementia such
as diabetes, depression, hypertension, being overweight, lack of physical activities,
smoking, excessive use of alcohol, and a hearing impairment. Additionally,
isolating yourself socially and a head injury can cause dementia.
As well as the recent
scientific studies of air pollution. However, it is possible to reduce the exposure
of air pollution by using an air purifier in your home. Vacuuming, dusting, and
cleaning your home. Get rid of mold in your home. Make sure you have a carbon
monoxide alarm and listen to the news about the air quality.
Take a walk or ride a
bicycle and limit the use of your vehicle. Carpool or use public transportation
if you and your family are going to the same place. Have your windows open and
make sure you have plenty of ventilation when you are cleaning your home. Limit
your cleaning supplies to less cleaning products or use natural ingredients for
cleaning your home. Exercise outside when the air quality is suitable for you
to walk, jog, or run.
Reduce your alcohol
consumption by setting a limit of how many drinks you will drink at a family
gathering, party, or any other occasion. Aim for one glass of wine or other
alcoholic beverage if you are a woman and wish to drink for a special occasion.
Only drink two alcoholic beverages if you are a man. Drink your alcoholic
beverage slowly and practice mindfulness to help you slow down. Do not feel pressured
to drink more alcohol in a social setting.
Sometimes abstaining
from alcoholic beverages is the best option, especially if you are the driver. Opting
for a non-alcoholic beverage does not prevent you from having a good time at a
special family event. Write in a journal about your drinking and how it makes
you feel. Consult with your medical provider to help you reduce your alcohol
consumption. Join Alcohol Anonymous to help you and your family understand your
alcohol consumption.
Wear purple or something
purple to support World Alzheimer’s Month. There is also World Alzheimer’s Day
every September 21st of each year. Attend events that support and
give resources for Alzheimer’s Month. Be informed about the latest research,
educational resources, and share information on social media. Donate to the
Alzheimer’s Association.
Offer to help your
caretaker especially if your caretaker has exhaustion. Volunteer your time to
take care of a loved one who has dementia. Take your loved ones to their
medical checkups. Last, get advice from their primary doctor about reducing the
risk factors and for taking care of their eyesight. Here are websites with more
information about World Alzheimer’s Month and limiting alcohol consumption.
Actions You Can Take to Reduce Air Pollution-Ground-level Ozone-New England-US EPA:
Actions You Can Take to Reduce Air Pollution | Ground-level Ozone | New England | US EPA
World Alzheimer's Month Resources-Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) (Alzheimer's Disease: International)
World Alzheimer’s Month Resources | Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) (alzint.org)
Alzheimer's Association-Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help:
Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help
11 Ways to Curb Your Drinking-Harvard Health:
11 ways to curb your drinking - Harvard Health
* Courtesy Infographic from Alzheimer's Disease International.
It's great that there is a month of awareness to help people better understand (and look out for) Alzheimers. I think the treatments for it have come a long way but there is obviously still more to be done. It's important to know about risk factors and how to reduce those if/when possible. Thanks for sharing this!
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