Laura Bundesen
  • About
    • FAQs
    • Testimonials
    • Press
  • SHOP
  • RedBubble-Print on Demand
  • Blog
  • Neuro Art Gallery
  • Downloadables for BAW

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

4/22/2017

5 Comments

 
Picture
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.
Picture
5 Comments

    Author

    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..

    Archives

    February 2023
    November 2022
    May 2022
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2019
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017

    Categories

    All
    Alzheimers
    Art Auction
    Art Show
    Babies
    Brain
    BrainHealthFair
    Brain Injury
    Brain Project
    Brainwaves
    Circadian
    Collaboration
    Commission
    Donation
    Elizabeth Jameson
    Embroidery
    Epilepsy
    Fabric Collage
    Family
    Friends
    Hemisphere
    Insomnia
    Interview
    Local
    Melatonin
    Monica
    Mothers
    MS
    Multiple Sclerosis
    Neuro
    Neuroart
    Prints
    Print Shop
    Reproductions
    Savestandardtime
    SCN
    SfN
    Sleep
    Toronto
    Traveling
    Vestibular Neuritis
    Western Mass

    RSS Feed

  • About
    • FAQs
    • Testimonials
    • Press
  • SHOP
  • RedBubble-Print on Demand
  • Blog
  • Neuro Art Gallery
  • Downloadables for BAW