Leah Hanson, Ph.D,. Senior Research Director Senior Investigato g r

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1 Leah Hanson, Ph.D. Senior Research Director Senior Investigator

2 My story

3 Normal brain aging Some gradual slowing of cognitive function is a normal part of aging Signs of dementia include consistent loss of short term memory, confusion, and disorientation

4 Dementia Definition = conditions causing cognitive decline that interfere with day to day life Types ofdementia Alzheimer s Disease Lewy Body Dementia Vascular Dementia Frontal Temporal Dementia Dementia is a growing problem

for memory Metabolic changes b f b ll Large numbers of brain

5 Alzheimer s brain Normal Aging Alzheimer s Disease Build up up of plaques and tangles Loss of brain chemicals responsible for memory Metabolic changes b f b ll Large numbers of brain cells in the areas responsible for memory and language are lost

6 Treatment Approved treatments for Alzheimer s Treatments do NOT stop or reverse the disease Noapproved treatments for other Dementia Research is ongoing at HealthPartners to identify new treatments for Alzheimer s and other Dementias

7 Risk factors Age Genetics Family history genes Cardiovascular risks Increaserisk risk ofdementia Obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure

8 Promoting Healthy Brain Aging Fitness Fun Family & Friends Food

9 Fitness More physically active = Reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia Physical activity: Increases blood flow to brain Increases a nerve growth factor that protects brain cells

10 Fitness and the Brain Memory center (hippocampus) shrinks in late adulthood Smaller hippocampus = increased risk of dementia Adults that are more physically fit = Larger hippocampus Normal Aging Alzheimer s Disease

Aerobic exercise = 1 2 year reversal of brain aging

11 Fitness Improves Memory Randomized clinical ltrial of physical activity: Can exercise improve memory? Aerobic exercise = 1 2 year reversal of brain aging Hippocampus p size associated with: Aerobic fitness Nerve growth factor levels Memory performance

Fun mentally stimulating leisure activity

cognitive decline Examples: Puzzles, games,

12 Fun mentally stimulating leisure activity Higher levels eesof mental stimulating ua leisure activity results in: 50 percent reduced risk of developing Dementia Reduced rate of cognitive decline Examples: Puzzles, games, playing an instrument, faith based group activities, volunteering

13 Cognitive Reserve Theory Learning creates new connections (synapses) between our brain cells The brain needs a minimum number of synapses in order to function normally Higher education and mentally stimulating leisure activities increases our reserve of synapses, creating a buffer to combat brain pathology like that occurs in dementia

14 Family & friends social connections Low participation in social activities, less social support = increased Dementia risk

15 Food Brain Healthy Nutrition Foods that lower risk of dementia: Mediterranean diet (healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, fish) MIND diet More fruits and veggies! Benefits of green tea, curcumin, dark chocolate Studies of vitamins and supplements not shown to reduce risk of dementia

16 Food Omega-3 Fatty Acids Brain Healthy Foods: Fish = Reduced risk of Alzheimer s disease Salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, lake trout = High omega 3 content Plant sources = Avocado, olive oil, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds

17 What can you do? Advocate for state funding of Alzheimer s research MN S.F. 247 Alzheimer's Research Grants; Dementia Public Awareness Grants and Programs Committee Engrossment FL Ed and Ethel Eh lmoore Alzheimer's Disease Research hprogram Advocate for wellness programs for ages 50+ Remember the 4 F s Fitness, Fun, Family & Fi Friends, Food Identify one small thing YOU can do to promote healthy brain aging

18 Questions? Leah Hanson, Ph.D. Senior Research Director Senior Investigator

Senior Moments or Something More? Copyright James L. West Alzheimer s Center, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Senior Moments or Something More? Copyright James L. West Alzheimer s Center, 2013 All Rights Reserved Defining Dementia Dementia is a group of symptoms affecting intellectual and social abilities severely