Alzheimer’s Association Challenges Pennsylvania Residents
to Focus on Brain Health in 2024
– Science shows that as many as 40% of dementia cases worldwide may be attributable to modifiable risk factors –
– 280,000 residents of Pennsylvania are living with Alzheimer’s –
As residents of Pennsylvania keep to their New Year’s resolutions, the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter is urging everyone to make brain health a priority in 2024. Science shows that healthy habits can reduce the risk for cognitive decline and dementia.
Currently, two-thirds of Americans have at least one major risk factor for dementia. The need for effective risk reduction strategies to help all communities grows larger by the day. In Pennsylvania, more than 280,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s. Without any change, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's could more than double by mid-century.
“The science on dementia risk reduction is evolving,” said Sara Murphy, vice president of programs and services, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. “Growing evidence shows that modifying certain risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. This is true even for people with a history of dementia in their families. That is why we hope the people of Pennsylvania will adopt the Alzheimer’s Association’s ‘10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain’ and focus on brain health in 2024.”
“10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain” is a list of positive, everyday actions people can take to reduce their dementia risk, reflecting the latest research and growing body of knowledge. Scientists estimate that up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented by a change in habits. This year, try to incorporate any of the following healthy habits into your routine:
1. Challenge your mind. Be curious! Put your brain to work and do something that is new or hard for you. Learn a new skill. Try something artistic. Challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits for your brain.
2. Stay in school. Education reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Encourage youth to stay in school and pursue the highest level of training possible. Continue your own education by taking a class at a local library, college or online.
3. Get moving. Engage in regular exercise. This includes activities that raise your heart rate and increase blood flow to the brain and body. Find ways to build more movement into your day — walking, dancing, gardening — whatever works for you!
4. Protect your head. Help prevent an injury to your head. Wear a helmet for activities like biking, and wear a seatbelt. Protect yourself while playing sports. Do what you can to prevent falls, especially for older adults.
5. Be smoke-free. Quitting smoking can lower the risk of cognitive decline back to levels similar to those who have not smoked. It’s never too late to stop.
6. Control your blood pressure. Medications can help lower high blood pressure. And healthy habits like eating right and physical activity can help too. Work with a health care provider to control your blood pressure.
7. Manage diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or controlled by healthier eating, increasing physical activity and medication, if necessary.
8. Eat right. Eating healthier foods can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. This includes more vegetables and leaner meats/proteins, along with foods that are less processed and lower in fat. Choose healthier meals and snacks that you enjoy and are available to you.
9. Maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your health care provider about the weight that is healthy for you. Other healthy habits on this list — eating right, physical activity and sleep — can help with maintaining a healthy weight.
10. Sleep well. Good quality sleep is important for brain health. Stay off screens before bed and make your sleep space as comfortable as possible. Do all you can to minimize disruptions. If you have any sleep-related problems, such as sleep apnea, talk to a healthcare provider.
“We hope that people of all ages and stages of health will take on the challenge to adopt the 10 Healthy Habits in 2024,” said Murphy. “Anytime is a good time to take charge of your brain health, and the sooner, the better.”
The Greater Pennsylvania Chapter also offers in-person and online
education programs, including ‘Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body.’ Learn more at
alz.org/healthyhabits.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides local support and programs to families affected by dementia, including educational programming on brain health and risk reduction as well as a 24-7 Helpline staffed by master’s level clinicians 365 days a year. Call 800-272-3900.
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Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.