Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your brain health: This is what the Alzheimer's Society of British Columbia is doing in the Lower Mainland to commemorate Brain Awareness Week, March 11-17. It's a message we're sharing with residents and others in the state.
The charity encourages people across the state to get active and lower their risk of developing dementia by making healthy lifestyle choices, including regular physical activity.
Jill Gratton and her husband Mick, who live with dementia, couldn't agree more. They are participating in Mind in Motion, the Alzheimer's Society of British Columbia's fitness and social program, where they participate in gentle physical exercise and learn how to interact with others living with early stage dementia and their You can interact with care partners.
Minds in Motion is supported primarily by generous community support from Alzheimer's Society of BC donors.
The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's Disease, hosted by Go Auto, is the charity's biggest fundraiser of the year. The walk, which will be held in communities across the state on Sunday, May 26, will help fund programs like Minds in Motion. Walking regularly and signing up for walks is a great way to support brain health while supporting a healthy lifestyle for people on the road to dementia.
Fundraising events and Mind in Motion are great ways to get exercise as well as social interaction, and both activities can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
“People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop heart disease, stroke and diabetes. All of these risks are associated with dementia,” said Sarah, director of research strategy at the Alzheimer's Society of B.C.・Dr. Wu says. Because of the risk of developing dementia, it makes sense to boost brain effectiveness by being as active and in a group environment as possible. ”
Eating a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help lower your risk. Challenging your brain with activities like the brain teasers and team games the Gratton family enjoys at Minds in Motion can also help.
“I have expanded my circle of friends because I have met a new group of people, and more importantly, they are all people who understand what we are going through,” says Jill. say. “Mick is comfortable there, because it's something we do together. He doesn't feel like he's alone. He's looking forward to it. And me? Well. , If he's happy, I'm happy too.”
Mick has been living with dementia for about 12 years. Thanks to Jill's dedication and support from her charity, Jill no longer has to face her dementia journey alone.
Programs like Minds in Motion are only possible through the generosity of donors and the support of community fundraisers across the state.
To learn how to join the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in your community, visit WalkForAlzheimers.ca.
For more information on how to lower your risk of developing dementia, visit alzbc.org/BrainHealthyTips.
