Alzheimer's Month & Brain Health Tips for 2025
Giving support to the
family and reminding yourself to give support for Alzheimer’s research
throughout November is one step to bring awareness. Although it is not easy to
be a caregiver, it is another way to show support to a family that is
experiencing Alzheimer’s with a family member. It is a tough time especially
when the family member has mood changes that change immediately within minutes.
Often there are conflicts when there are misplaced items and they do not feel
motivated to do certain activities that they liked to do in the past.
Experiencing Alzheimer’s from a firsthand account leaves one feeling the pain,
exhaustion, and the sadness of seeing a healthy vibrant person pass away from
Alzheimer’s.
Nonetheless, the grieving
process might be different for a caregiver and managing emotions is
challenging. One’s perception and experiences as a caregiver transforms into
hope and encourages one to understand Alzheimer’s more after someone passes
away from it. There are symptoms that occur before someone is diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s such as difficulties in making decisions, mispronouncing words,
feeling confused, forgetfulness, and difficulties in having a conversation
because of repetitive questions. It becomes a worrisome and challenging time
for the family and for the caregiver to adjust to the changes as Alzheimer’s
progresses. Although it was not easy to be a caregiver, it is essential to have
one for safety, comfort, and for emotional support for the entire family.
This year’s theme is
“Brain Health for All” to bring an understanding about Alzheimer’s and to
improve open communication about it. It is necessary to have a healthy diet, to
socialize, and to keep track of one's sleep. As well as keeping track of how many
times one exercises and carefully making lifestyle choices for one's health.
Begin by taking time to relax with a puzzle, reading, or a mind and body
exercise. Also, working too much without being available for self-care and
without relaxation techniques can make it worse for your brain health.
Think about your brain's
health and your overall wellness. Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi, walking, and
exercises for balance can be beneficial for your brain. Yet, slowing down to
relax can help you listen to your brain. It is recommended to be hydrated and to
practice relaxation techniques for reducing your stress. Avoid unnecessary
stress due to work, worries, and negative reactions that seem to repeat in your
mind.
Besides relaxation, avoid
overstimulation that causes you to feel uncomfortable, tension, and feel
distracted. Disconnect yourself from what keeps you awake at night especially
if you have trouble falling asleep. For example, listening too much to the nighttime
news, upbeat music, or binge watching one television series can make it
difficult to go to sleep. Nonetheless, no matter what keeps you awake at night,
it is recommended to find what causes you to lose sleep and find a solution for
improving your sleep. Always consult with your primary doctor and seek
professional counseling to help you avoid overstimulation.
Practice unscrambling
words, find missing letters in word games, and number games. Write poetry or write
about what you remember doing each day of the week. Have a friend to play brain
games or exercise together for emotional support. Learn card tricks, write on
index cards, or paint a complicated number painting. Nevertheless, give
yourself time to relax with a bubble wand, coloring pages with word scrambles,
and creative brain stimulation.
Consider what your brain
and body need to help you focus, relax, and feel better. Often lacking physical
exercise, a lack of socializing, or a lack of emotional support can make you
feel stressed out without recognizing it. Learn to listen to your thoughts,
your emotions, and listen to your brain when you are feeling distracted. Do not
feel pressured to complete everything on your to-do list; But do take the time
to have a day filled with self-care, self-focus, and self-entertainment. Do
not forget to bring awareness for Alzheimer’s Month by wearing purple, giving
out purple flowers, or posting purple hearts on social media.
It is
necessary to bring a better understanding of Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other neurological
diseases on social media and in person. As a caregiver it is important to dedicate
some time for self-care, self-compassion, and self-entertainment especially to
find the strength to take care of someone who has Alzheimer’s. Although
Alzheimer’s progresses, it is necessary to give emotional support to the
families that are experiencing it. Nevertheless, being there for companionship
and not making the person feel alone as Alzheimer’s continues changing the
brain. Do not be scared to speak about how you feel as a caregiver and find
ways to express your emotions without hurting the family.
Do not
be afraid to practice self-entertainment especially if you are feeling lonely
or stressed out. Do keep in mind that spending time alone can help you relax
and reduce stress, especially if socializing too much can make you feel
overwhelmed. Permit yourself to enjoy, celebrate by yourself, and practicing
self-discovery. Yet do not overdue your alone time but do socialize for your
brain health. Here are websites about brain health and Alzheimer’s.
How to Keep Your Mind Sharp at Any Age: Neurologist Tips and Suggestions-Self:
How to Keep Your Mind Sharp At Any Age: Neurologist Tips and Suggestions | SELF
10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain-Alzheimer's Association:
10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain | Alzheimer's Association
Brain Health Tips: How to Keep Your Brain Healthy:
Brain Health Tips: How to Keep Your Brain Healthy
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