Take Charge of Your Brain Health!

Small lifestyle changes can have a BIG impact!

Maintaining Your Brain Health

Healthy lifestyle choices and managing chronic health conditions can keep your brain healthy. While aging, genetics, and family history can't be changed, addressing risk factors may prevent or delay up to 45% of dementia cases.

Here's how you can take charge:

  • Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Not starting, or quitting smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can help maintain brain health.
  • Physical activity. Getting some kind of physical exercise every day can help decrease the risk of developing dementia. Avoid head injury by wearing a helmet when participating in contact sports, riding a bike, or roller-blading/skating. Exercise can also help manage blood pressure which may decrease the risk of developing dementia.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Healthy weight isn't about short-term dietary changes. Instead, it's about lifestyle that includes healthy eating and a balanced diet based on your individual health needs. Eating heart-healthy foods and losing weight can help lower your cholesterol and help manage blood pressure. Heart health is brain health.
  • Manage diabetes. Learn how to manage your blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes. When diabetes is not managed, important organs—like the brain—can be damaged by too much sugar in the bloodstream.
  • Sleep. Getting a full eight hours of sleep supports brain health and cognitive function.
  • Social support. Social connections and mental stimulation help by engaging the mind.
  • Depression. If you are feeling down, talk to a health care professional about getting help or speak with a trusted member of your community. Need help now, dial 988.
  • Hearing and vision loss. Prevent hearing loss by avoiding loud music or sounds and wear headphones to block loud noise. Follow your provider's advice to correct hearing loss. Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your vision.

Dementia

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia and is not a normal part of aging.

Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain that develops slowly and worsens over time. In the early stages of Alzheimer´s disease, memory loss is mild. In Alzheimer's late stage, people lose the ability to complete daily tasks, such as getting themselves dressed. They also lose the ability to carry on a conversation. In the late stage, those with Alzheimer's also lose the ability to react to what's happening to them or around them.

Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Dementia is the gradual and continuing decline in mental and physical functions. It can affect various functions of the brain, such as memory, language, problem-solving, and attention. Dementia is much more common in older people—but it can affect adults of any age.

At-Risk Groups

You may have a friend or a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia.

Anyone can develop Alzheimer's disease, but some groups are at higher risk than others. They can include:

  • Older adults, especially those older than 65
  • Certain minority groups, including individuals who are Hispanic, Black/African American, and American Indian
  • Women

In New York State, an estimated 426,500 New Yorkers 65+ are living with Alzheimer's Disease. By 2025, the number of New Yorkers with Alzheimer's is expected to increase to 460,000.

Why is it Important to Detect and Diagnose Alzheimer's and Other Dementias Early?

  • More treatment options are available.
  • Symptoms of some types of dementia may be reversed.
  • There are better overall health outcomes with an early and accurate diagnosis.
  • There are helpful services available to both those living with Alzheimer's or a related dementia and their caregivers. Once you receive a diagnosis, your health care provider can help you access these services.
  • Those who are diagnosed can plan for their care, health needs, housing, and financial well-being. They can also reduce risks related to dementia.
  • A better understanding of the disease can give relief to patients and caregivers.
  • Those who are diagnosed may be able to participate in clinical trials.

How is Alzheimer's Treated?

While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, approved medicine may help treat symptoms.

If you notice changes in memory, or find everyday tasks difficult, talk to a health care provider. Get help with support services available to all New Yorkers. For more information, go to the NYSDOH-funded Alzheimer's Disease Program Initiatives.

Learn more:

NYS Resources

CDC Funding Statement

The production of this campaign was supported by funding number NU58DP007533 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's contents are solely the responsibility of the New York State Department of Health and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.