Laura Bundesen
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5 Things I learned about Alzheimer's at the Brain Health Fair

4/22/2017

3 Comments

 
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On my way into the giant inflatable brain at the AAN Brain Health Fair 2017, Boston, MA
I just returned from attending the Brain Health Fair 2017 in Boston, sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and I learned SO much - especially about the prevention of Alzheimer's and dementia. As a 60 year old woman, my interest is very personal and I wish I had this information 30 years ago.

Here are my most important takeaways:
  • Alzheimer's disproportionately affects women. Two thirds of all Alzheimer's patients in the U.S. are women and the research hasn't told us why yet. Is it because women live longer? Is it hormonal? Ongoing studies seek to find the answers. If you are at risk or have already been diagnosed, think about signing up for a clinical trial.
  • Women who have a mother with Alzheimer's are more likely to get it themselves. If this is you, it's time to get proactively interested in your brain health. You CAN take preventive measures!
  • Our brains never stop growing and learning. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. The best brain-training activity is to do something that combines physical activity, social activity and learning something new. Dr. Reisa Sperling, Director of the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Research Center at Harvard, suggests taking up ballroom dancing, for instance! Now that sounds like something I could get behind.
  • "Best diet for our brains is the Mediterranean Diet", says Dr. Marie Pasinski, Harvard Neuorologist, Author and Brain Health Expert. Fat is good for the brain because our brains are two-thirds fat. Here is a link to MediterraneanLiving.com for a terrific free cookbook you can download! I've got my copy and am ready to roll. (PS - I know the author, Bill Bradley, and he is local to Western Mass.)
  • Exercise can actually increase your brain volume. Recent studies have shown a visible thickness in the cortex after a regular exercise program has been adopted.

There is of course so much more to learn and know about brain health but these were my big takeaways and now I am heading off to the gym, planning to shop for all the right foods on my way home, and signing up for that dance class soon!!

For more information visit The Women's Alzheimer's Movement founded by Maria Shriver, a force committed to finding out why Alzheimer’s discriminates against women.
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3 Comments
Salena Levi link
4/26/2017 10:04:06 am

Thanks so much for sharing what you learned at the Brain Health Fair, Laura! Good to be aware of how we can keep our brain healthy with diet, exercise and social interactions....all 3 just happen to be fun to do (:

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Laura Bundesen
4/26/2017 11:00:44 am

Thanks for your comments Salena! So glad to know that it was useful information for you. <3

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essay writing uk link
9/12/2019 08:42:49 am

You were so lucky because you got the chance to attend Brain Health Fair 2017 in Boston. It was an event where you can learn Alzheimer's disease and the people who suffer from it. It is quite sad that there are still people who do not understand what they are going through and they cannot exert enough understanding for those who have it. But I ma glad to know that there are multiple forums and organizations that recently opened aiming to help those who suffer from it. It's a good thing, and I hope that thew awareness will keep on spreading.

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    Chronicling my adventures as a Neuro Artist. I love to make work centered on our magnificent brains and learn about how it all works in the process..

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