Keep a healthy lifestyle to support brain health is the message the Alzheimer Society of B.C. wants to convey to Fraser-Fort George residents
It’s Brain Awareness Week across the province (March 11-17).
The charity is encouraging people across the province to get active and help lower the risk of developing dementia by making healthy lifestyle choices, including getting regular physical activity.
Jill Gratton and her husband Mick, who lives with dementia, have been attending a program called Minds in Motion where they have the opportunity to participate in gentle physical exercise and socialize with other people living with the disease in its early-stages
“It gets the old grey matter stirring,” Jill said with a laugh.
“People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop heart disease, stroke and diabetes – all risks associated with dementia,” added Dr. Sarah Wu, strategic lead of research for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
“Research also shows that socializing regularly may help reduce your risk of developing dementia, so it only makes sense to increase the brain benefits by getting active and in a group setting whenever you can.”
Following a healthy diet, managing stress as well as avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption also help lower the risk.
In addition, challenging your brain with activities like the brain teasers and team games can also have a positive impact.
Brain Awareness Week wraps up on Sunday.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
