HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
reasoning and judgment, and visual perception. At least two of
the aforementioned symptoms must be severely impaired to
indicate signs of dementia. Usually the signs and symptoms are
progressive and get worse over time. If caught early by a health
care professional, some symptoms can be treated. One of the most
common types of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases.
It causes severe problems with daily tasks that involve memory,
thinking and behavior. It is not a normal part of aging, but the
greatest known risk factor is increasing age since the disease is
progressive. While it is most common in people over the age of
65, younger-onset Alzheimer’s is found in five percent of people as
young as their 40s.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, evidence shows that
incorporating the following habits will keep you fit both physically
and mentally:
• Heart Health – Obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes—all
risk factors for cardiovascular disease—negatively impact your
cognitive health. Cardiovascular activity increases blood flow to
the brain and body, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
• Helmet Up! – Brain injury is one of the leading causes of
dementia and cognitive decline. Play it smart and always wear a
helmet to protect from brain injury.
• Sleep Tight – Have you ever stayed up late, only to find you’re
forgetful and mentally lethargic the next day? Not getting enough
sleep can result in lower brain function, affecting memory and
thinking.
• Be a Social Butterfly – Staying active with friends and loved
ones may support brain health as well. A recent study from
the Women’s Healthy Aging Project found that babysitting
grandchildren could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.
• Challenge Yourself – Enjoy crossword puzzles or painting?
Keep your brain challenged by doing something new each day,
whether it is learning a new language, doing a jigsaw puzzle or
reading a book!
Eye and Ear Health
Hearing and vision are two essential parts of our everyday
lives. Yet there are many individuals who let ear and eye
problems go unattended. Ear and eye health is equally as
important as taking care of the rest of the body and should be
well maintained to ensure many years of seeing and hearing the
things you love.
Eye Health
It is important to visit your eye care professional once a year
for a comprehensive eye exam. Although you may think you are
seeing fine, issues may be lurking without any warning signs.
During a yearly visit, your pupils will be dilated, or widened,
so that your eye care professional can examine the back of the
eye for damage or disease. It is important to know your family’s
eye health history as well, since some conditions are hereditary.
Some of the most common eye diseases include diabetic
retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular
degeneration (AMD).
Continued on page 19 >
Confused about your Healthcare?
LIFE Pittsburgh is an all inclusive program for individuals 55+
who want to stay in their home, but need supportive services.
Our coordinated plan of care includes medical, social and daily
living support. At LIFE Pittsburgh, older adults are treated with
the respect and dignity they deserve. LIFE Pittsburgh goes
beyond simply “treating medical problems” to actually
improving the quality of life for most of our Participants.
Confused about your Healthcare?
Let us help.
www.lifepittsburgh.org
412-388-8050 TTY:711
Let us help.
CHARTIERS VALLEY ❘
WINTER 2018
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