This June during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association® is encouraging all Americans to take charge of their brain health.
Black Americans are about two times as likely as White Americans to be living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia but are less likely to receive a diagnosis. Among Black Americans age 70 and older, more than 20 % are living with the disease.
The brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms start, which suggests that there may be a substantial window of time in which we can intervene in the progression of the disease.
Experts believe there isn’t a single cause of Alzheimer’s. It’s likely the disease develops as a result of multiple factors. While not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, the greatest known risk factor is advancing age. Although some risk factors like age cannot be
changed, others — including physical activity, not smoking, education, challenging your mind, blood pressure and diet — may be modified to reduce a person’s risk.
As many as 40 % of dementia cases worldwide may be attributable to modifiable risk factors. Based on mounting scientific evidence, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages individuals to incorporate these 10 healthy habits to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia.
Be Proactive in Addressing Brain Changes
Another important way to take charge of your brain health is to know the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia and be proactive in addressing them.
Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementia offers the best opportunity for care, management and treatment. It also provides diagnosed individu-
