Tara Solomon-Smith
Adult Development and Aging
ost people can name at least one person we know affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Sadly, more than five million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to rise as high as 16 million by the year 2050. One of the biggest misconceptions about Alzheimer’s is that it cannot kill you; however, it can, and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Although Alzheimer’s disease is not yet preventable or curable, there are steps a person can take to live an overall brain-healthy lifestyle. Taking steps now to adopt or maintain a healthy lifestyle will improve your overall health and well-being, but also help to reduce your risk for cognitive decline, heart disease, and other debilitating and chronic diseases.
At Wildcat Extension District’s Annual Family and Consumer Sciences Workshop, I had the privilege to present an Alzheimer’s 101 presentation to 39 attendees. I opened with an exercise with beach balls, which allowed a visual of how your brain works normally and what your brain is like with Alzheimer’s. The disease affects the neurons’ ability to transport information and communicate.
Researchers strongly believe that early detection of Alzheimer’s disease will be a key to understanding how to prevent, slow, and ultimately stop the disease in the future. The first step to early detection is understanding the 10 warning signs of the disease. This presentation provided why early detection is so important and an in depth description on how to identify the warning sign.
Participants shared that the program taught them what to do if signs of Alzheimer’s Disease were recognized in themselves or a loved one. They also state they planned to take at least one-step to better their brain health and identified which steps they would take!
Keys to Embracing Aging
Approximately 70,000 Americans are 100 years or older and we are learning more about their secrets to longevity. Many healthy centenarians are teaching us that aging can be a positive, joyful and exciting experience. They demonstrate that each new year of life brings increased knowledge, wisdom and a greater ability to engineer a positive approach to the aging process. There are 12 ‘Keys’ that many centenarians contribute their longevity to and which K-State Research and Extension has developed a research based program series around.
When given the necessary attention, such lifestyle choices can positively affect future health, well-being and optimal aging. I have started taking the series to our communities and below you will find my most recent presentation details.
I have an enjoyed each and every ‘Key’ I have been able to present on thus far. The information and tips
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