Exercising with someone might sound simple enough, but there are profound benefits to having an exercise partner worth exploring. Some people just go to the gym, hop on the treadmill, throw in their earbuds, and do their thing. Others like to take a power hike or mountain bike trip alone in nature. Sometimes that meditative experience is important, and they don’t want to necessarily share that special time in their mind with someone else. Certain martial arts traditions encourage you to work out alone for the meditative quality of the experience. If your workout time isn't meditative, you should strongly consider finding someone to work out with. The Benefits of Exercise with Another Person One of the biggest benefits of having a workout partner is simply having another person offer you encouragement. There are days when it’s really easy to just stay in bed, and you don't want to get up and put in your workout. If you have somebody you're meeting up with, it holds you to a higher degree of accountability and a certain amount of social peer pressure. For some people, there's also an element of friendly competition. People can push each other, in a well-intended manner, to go that extra tenth of a mile, or an extra 10 miles. There could also be an element of safety involved. People who lift weights routinely need another person to spot them during a wide variety of exercises. It allows them to safely lift a little more weight and push a little farther through the wall than they are used to doing. Many martial arts involve doing forms to master routine movements. Some of them, like aikido, are greatly improved by having another person involved in the form, or even by providing added dynamic motion. There is a social aspect to it as well. Talking to someone throughout your workout is, in itself, an added source of stimulation. Just be smart about it and make sure your conversation doesn’t take away from completing your workout in a timely and effective manner. Social interaction is critical to brain health and development. When you combine this with other activities like exercise, the compound benefits are something we can't even measure but are incredibly helpful to the brain. Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit our Author's page. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

The words "house" and "home" aren't the same. For most people, the word "house" produces a mental image of a building. In contrast, the word "home" evokes a range of complex feelings. "Home" may bring back memories of a mother's cooking, the view from a childhood treehouse, the sound of children playing, and the feel of a loved one's kiss. For nearly everyone, a home is more than four walls and a roof. Home is memory, personal history, and a bountiful source of comfort. A Dementia-friendly home provides both emotional and physical comfort and safety. Family photographs, the worn but still comfortable chair, an ancient radio, and that ugly coffee mug are all remnants of a life well lived. While you may consider them clutter, your loved one finds enjoyment and pleasure in their presence. The chair may remind them of having once read bedtime stories to you and your siblings. The radio might encourage conversation about the days when people listened to baseball games. And what does the ugly coffee mug contribute to a Dementia-friendly home? It doesn't matter; the mug isn't yours. How to Create a Dementia-Friendly Home Creating a physically safe environment for your loved one requires sensitivity, practicality, and acknowledgment of their capabilities. It is more likely your loved one will accept the changes to their personal space if you describe the installation of bathroom handrails as an "update" and the new automatic tea kettle as a "gift." As a first step, assess your loved one's home for potential hazards. Examples of simple changes include installing automatic shut-off timers on appliances such as the toaster oven. Replace the overhead microwave oven with a countertop model. Remove tripping hazards and improve household lighting. Adjust the thermostat on the water heater to a lower temperature. Install handrails in the bathroom. Use safety locks on cabinets containing toxic cleaning supplies. Remove locks to prevent your loved one from becoming entrapped in the bathroom or bedroom. Another approach to creating a Dementia-safe home is to learn about new assistive technologies that help people with disabilities live at home for as long as possible. Smartphone apps, as well as television and other monitoring systems, can let you know whether your loved one is as active as expected, has left a certain area, or has not turned an appliance on or off. There are smartphone apps that can remind your loved one to take their medication, give verbal instructions on how to use an appliance, find misplaced items, and keep track of the day and time. Good intentions aside, creating a Dementia-friendly home for your loved one takes insight and experience. Your internet browser and the keywords—home, safety, assessment, and Dementia — will link you to many excellent online resources. Another option is to have an eldercare home safety consultant inspect your loved one's home. Taking into consideration your loved one's capabilities, they will inform you of needed improvements. The safety consultant can also suggest where to buy home safety equipment and, if need be, people to install items such as bathroom handrails. Use your internet browser and the keywords--eldercare home safety consultant--plus the location where your loved one lives to find locally convenient home safety services. A Dementia-friendly home respects your loved one's dignity while creating an illusion of independence. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the Author of "An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia," available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

The question is: what can we do to raise the level of awareness for all forms of Dementia, which would also include Alzheimer's? Can we, as Americans and U.S. policymakers, do what the World Health Organization and others in the global health community do: refer more broadly and inclusively to the issues of Dementia that include: Alzheimer's; Vascular; Mixed; Lewy body; Frontotemporal; Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE); Traumatic Brain Injury; Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome; Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease; HIV-AIDS, and others, rather than narrowcasting most all of our words, government plans, and efforts mainly just around Alzheimer's? When we do, those living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) will benefit, as will the huge number of people who have Dementia, but not necessarily AD. Because it's better to do so, policymakers talk about cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other major pressing health worries mainly in the broadest terms, but when it comes to Dementia... most only know of AD, and often don't understand how Dementia and AD relate to one another. If AD alone is considered the 6th leading cause of death in America, just imagine what happens when you nearly double the numbers to include all forms of Dementia... its place in American health priorities will rise even faster. Dementia is an epidemic both nationally and globally. By seeking to be more inclusive, rather than less inclusive, we shine a brighter light on millions more cases of Dementia, as well as the needs of those living with it, their care partners, and the greater costs for families. When it comes to funding research as well as creating better person-centered care plans for insurers to cover and consider (including Medicare and Medicaid)... when we speak more openly of the larger numbers affected... it puts an additional premium on the rewards for finding medical cures and supporting non-medical innovations to deal with all forms of Dementia. Let's Broaden the Conversation Whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool blue supporter, a red supporter, or somewhere else on the political continuum, please take the time to Know Dementia, broaden the conversation, and "see more purple." Actively demand of your civil servants that all forms of Dementia take the larger stage together for the purposes of research, concern, and care. - Kevin Jameson, DrHC, President of the Dementia Society of America This post is the result of a meeting and subsequent Q&A held during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA on Monday, July 25th, 2016. At approximately the 1 hour mark into this forum, the Dementia Society of America was honored to have the opportunity to ask a question of Teresa Osborne, Secretary of the PA Dept of Aging, as well as Carol Lippa, Prof. of Neurology at Drexel Univ. (panel moderated by Steve Clemons, Wash. Editor at Large of The Atlantic). Click here to see the video of the entire session. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Music connects people to their life history and culture. Music transports people to happy and sad places, whether by attending a concert with friends or by serving as a reminder of a long-gone relative. Listening to or making music is a wonderful way for you and your loved one to take a mini-vacation from illness and to stimulate conversation beyond what he or she had for breakfast. Clinical case studies show that when people with Dementia listen to music from their youth, they become animated and may tap their feet to the rhythm or sing along. Music therapists say that music therapy improves mood and behavior and reduces reliance on behavior-modifying medications. Research shows that active involvement is more beneficial than listening to music. Singing and playing music, especially when preparing for a performance, improves focus, attention, and memory. Opportunities to socialize and, perhaps even more importantly, share with others are another important benefit of active participation. Most people have positive reactions to the popular music of their youth or to music that reflects their tastes and preferences. Therefore, don’t assume the person in your care will want to hear Glenn Miller or Bing Crosby. Baby Boomers may prefer Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, the Beatles, or the Rolling Stones. Some people may favor classical music, jazz, or opera. Enhancing Life with Dementia Through Music There are many simple ways to bring music into your loved one's life. At home, you can download music from the internet and watch or listen to broadcast performances. Together, you can sing, play a musical instrument, or use bells, sticks, and homemade drums to create a home-style rhythm band. Consider inviting family members, friends, other caregivers, and their loved ones to participate in a jam session. Serve coffee and cookies, and you have an event! It's always a nice break to take an excursion outside the home. Combining an early afternoon concert with lunch or an early supper is another way to enjoy a day and enrich a relationship. You can find local and sometimes no-cost events in the calendar section of your local newspaper. Community orchestras and choral groups often give public performances. Senior centers are another place where you can find performances and music classes your loved one might enjoy. Many non-profit organizations, such as the Dementia Society of America, sponsor music programs designed especially for people who have Dementia and other disabilities. An internet search is an easy way to find music programs and performances in the community where your loved one lives. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of "An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Know Dementia® Dementia awareness bracelet by Little Words Project®. Dementia awareness can begin with something as simple as a conversation. Dementia Society of America® is proud to introduce the Know Dementia® Giveback Bracelet—a wearable reminder of the need for knowledge, compassion, and support for all those facing Dementia. To "Know Dementia" is to honor the care partners, families, friends, professionals, and volunteers who give so much of themselves to support those living with Dementia. Their compassion and daily dedication help create better moments today and more hopeful tomorrows. What Does “Know Dementia” Mean? Know Dementia carries two important messages: First, it encourages people to understand and learn more about Dementia. What it is, and isn't. Like the fact that Dementia is a syndrome—not one single disease—and includes much more than Alzheimer’s disease alone. It is a broad spectrum of conditions that can affect memory, thinking, behavior, communication, movement, and daily life in many ways. Second, it is also a play on words; it represents "No Dementia”: No to stigma No to fear No to allowing Dementia to define a person’s life Person wearing the Know Dementia® support bracelet for Dementia awareness By wearing the bracelet, supporters can help spark conversations, share encouragement, and remind others that greater awareness can lead to better understanding and support. A Little Word® With a Larger Purpose Little Words Project® creates handcrafted beaded bracelets featuring words intended to inspire kindness and connection. Little Words Project® Giveback bracelet benefiting Dementia Society of America® With every Know Dementia® bracelet sold, $5 is donated to support the Dementia Society of America’s mission! Those funds help us continue to provide Dementia education, resources, research, awareness, and hope to individuals and families across the country. Wear It. Share It. Start a Conversation. The Know Dementia bracelet is more than an accessory. It is an opportunity to: Show support for someone impacted by Dementia Encourage more informed conversations Help challenge fear and stigma Honor a person living with Dementia or a care partner Share a message of compassion and hope Support Dementia education, research, and resources Whether you wear it yourself or give it to someone who means a lot to you, the bracelet offers a simple way to keep the message visible. Dementia Society Know Dementia® support bracelet for Dementia awareness Help More People "Know Dementia" With A Bracelet At the Dementia Society of America, we believe knowledge is one of the first steps toward reducing fear, stigma, and isolation. When we Know Dementia, we can better support those who live with it, those who care for them, and all who are working to make a meaningful difference. Wear your words proudly. Share what it means. Let it be the beginning of a conversation that may make someone feel seen, like they belong, supported, or less alone. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

"Eat your breakfast!" is one of those things we’ve all been told by our parents and even our grandparents. Of course, there is something to be said for putting calories into your body each morning and the positive impact it has on your brain. Unfortunately, what happens all too often is that people get caught up in their lives and sometimes give in to the temptation to skip breakfast. For some people, it’s usually just a factor of being too busy. People are rushing out the door to get to work on time, drop off the kids, or get to an appointment. There’s another segment of people that consciously choose to skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. Their intuition tells them that skipping breakfast will give them a slimmer body shape, but, in fact, it’s actually working against them. The Benefits of Breakfast Several different things happen when you eat breakfast in the morning. One of the primary benefits is that it gets your metabolism started. It also sets the tone for the day. Your brain needs a constant, steady supply of fuel, and it cannot store sugar, its primary fuel. If you are going from, say, 8 o'clock at night until noon the next day without eating anything, then the brain is without adequate fuel for most of that time. When this happens, the brain makes the inference that there isn’t adequate food available. When the brain enters a state of crisis, it begins to prioritize the preservation of its most valuable source of energy: fat. The brain triggers a catabolic response, breaking down protein structures and muscle mass throughout the body. Unfortunately, this is a very expensive process, which requires a lot of energy just to break down and use the protein. This may also accelerate the loss of valuable muscle mass, which tends to decline as we age anyway. The result is that your body stores fat and you feel more sluggish. Most people, especially men, will deposit fat around the midsection and the neck. The bottom line is that it doesn’t take much to wake up five minutes earlier to grab something quick for breakfast. When you’re first developing the habit of eating breakfast, it doesn’t have to be a big meal. Getting your metabolism started and providing energy for the brain don’t require much fuel. Even something simple like eating a piece of fruit or a hard-boiled egg while you’re going out the door is better than nothing at all. Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit our Author's page. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Many people are under the impression that Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Dementia are different conditions. In fact, AD is a type of Dementia. In addition to AD, Dementia also includes types such as vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Dementia with Lewy bodies. Many people, particularly those who are very old, have mixed Dementia or Dementia that is caused by more than one kind of brain disease. There Are Many Types of Dementia AD is currently considered the most common kind of Dementia. Current estimates suggest that Alzheimer's disease represents approximately 60% of the Dementia burden. Although scientists have found various genetic and environmental factors that may increase the likelihood of having AD, age is the most important risk factor. The estimated prevalence of AD increases with age, from less than 8% in people 58–69.9 years of age to 65.2% in those over 90 years of age. Vascular Dementia, accounting for 5 to 10% of all Dementia cases in the US, is the second most common age-related Dementia. Unlike the gradual progression of AD, the onset of vascular Dementia symptoms is often abrupt and may occur when a heart attack or a stroke dramatically reduces blood flow to or through the brain. Vascular Dementia can also have a slow progression. This happens when the cumulative damage of transient ischemic attacks - often called TIAs - causes many small areas of brain damage and, eventually, noticeable symptoms. The descriptive name “multi-infarct Dementia” is the term healthcare providers use to describe this kind of vascular Dementia. Multi-infarct Dementia is the most common type of vascular Dementia. Each type of Dementia has specific signs and symptoms. For example, memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in performing tasks that were once familiar and easy are early symptoms of AD. In contrast, the early symptoms of frontotemporal lobe degeneration (FTD) are poor coordination, tremors, and difficulty in using and understanding written and spoken language. Memory loss is another aspect of FTD but occurs much later in the course of the disease. Ultimately, however, memory loss is a symptom that all forms of Dementia have in common. Examples of other types of Dementia include Dementia resulting from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBD); Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS); Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH); Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE); Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), and others. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of "An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

At one time or another, everyone forgets where they left the car keys, blanks out on a word or name, or cannot remember why they went to the kitchen. Is our forgetfulness simply the result of preoccupation, a “senior moment,” or is it something much worse? It’s easy to leap to conclusions. It’s considerably more difficult to take the next step and talk to your family, a close friend, a religious or spiritual advisor, or your doctor about your deepest and darkest worries. It's important to make no assumptions, but please take the next steps to get evaluated. Your family and friends will probably say something noncommittal and suggest that you make an appointment with your doctor. A religious or spiritual advisor will likely offer comforting words and encourage you to speak with your doctor. Your doctor will recommend that you undergo a complete medical exam. Your medical history comprises the first portion of your exam. Your doctor will ask if you smoke, drink, or have ever had a head injury or a concussion. He or she will want a list of the medications you take and the daily dosage. Your doctor will want to know your surgical history — dates, types, and whether you experienced complications. The doctor will also give you a checklist of various diseases and conditions that you or a close relative may have or have had. Some of these include diabetes, psychiatric disorders, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, thyroid disease, epilepsy, strokes, or heart disease. In other words – come to your appointment prepared with a list of the important information that most people do not remember in sufficient detail. Next, your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs and then begin the usual prods and pokes. One aspect of your physical exam may be different from the ones you have experienced before: because you are concerned about memory difficulties, your doctor may administer a series of simple tests to evaluate your cognitive functions--the ability to think, learn, and remember as well as your executive functions--the ability to plan, organize, strategize, and pay attention to detail. Together, the medical history and the physical exam provide the clues your doctor needs to take the most appropriate next steps. Make No Assumptions Based on the results of your complete medical exam, your doctor may say “Everything looks good.” However, don’t jump to conclusions if your doctor suggests that you undergo further tests. Just try to remember that ruling out Alzheimer's Disease or any other of the dozen or so kinds of commonly encountered Dementia is difficult. Yes, “it’s easier said than done.” Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of "An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Many people avoid making legal and financial plans because they think it will bring bad luck. Others put it off because it feels overwhelming. But waiting too long can create serious problems for you and your family. The best way to avoid these challenges is to plan ahead and talk openly with the people you trust. What Is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself. This person could be a family member, a close friend, or an attorney. The rules for creating a POA differ by state. In most cases, you will need an attorney, a witness, and a notary to complete the paperwork. Medical Power of Attorney A medical POA allows the person you choose to make healthcare decisions and receive medical information if you are unable to do so. Without this document, doctors and other healthcare providers cannot discuss your health or share medical information with your loved ones because of privacy laws. Giving your healthcare team a copy of your medical POA helps ensure your wishes are followed. Financial Power of Attorney A financial POA allows someone you trust to handle your money and financial matters. This may include paying bills, signing checks, using your bank accounts, or working with businesses on your behalf. Banks and other companies usually need a copy of the financial POA before they can speak with your chosen representative. Many people choose the same person to serve as both their medical and financial POA. Why It Is Important to Plan Early You must be able to understand and make your own decisions when you sign a POA. If you wait until you can no longer make those decisions, your family may have to ask a court to appoint a guardian or conservator. This process can take a long time, cost a lot of money, and be stressful for everyone involved. Many people in the early stages of Dementia are still able to make informed decisions and can sign a POA. Create a Financial Plan A financial plan helps protect your money and makes it easier for someone you trust to manage your finances if you become ill or unable to do so yourself. Your plan should include bank accounts, investments, retirement savings, insurance policies, and other important assets. It should also comply with state and federal laws and align with the instructions in your POA documents. Get Professional Help Creating a complete financial plan can be difficult. While a bank employee can help with simple tasks, such as opening a joint account, you may also want advice from professionals who specialize in long-term planning. Depending on your needs, these professionals may include: An estate planning attorney A financial advisor An accountant An insurance professional They can help you protect your savings, plan for future healthcare costs, and make sure your wishes are carried out. Plan Today for Peace of Mind Taking care of your legal and financial plans now can save your family time, money, and stress. Planning ahead gives you more control over your future and helps ensure that the people you trust can step in when needed. Remember, planning for the future isn't bad luck—it's one of the best gifts you can give yourself and the people you love. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of "An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Modern life is filled with everyday nuisances that we all have to deal with. It might be someone cutting you off on the road, rude people in a store, or whatever the case may be. These daily nuisances can influence our stress levels. This could manifest itself in many different ways; it could be anger, it could be anxiety, fear, or worry. Stress elevates certain hormones, which cause our bodies to function in a certain way. Somebody cuts you off on the road, our blood pressure goes up, breathing changes, and your emotions can change very rapidly. There are all these consequences and cascades of events that occur simply because somebody decided they wanted to get in front of you in line or on the road. Some people can let that go pretty easily, but most get caught up in it. Of course, letting go of some of these things is easier said than done. It takes practice. There are countless stressors you can encounter on a daily basis that can get to you; be it a rude cashier, somebody cutting you off on the road, or a boss that’s yelling at you. Any of these things can increase your stress level, which can affect a wide range of bodily systems, especially those related to brain health. Do Not Let Them Get To You! Activities like meditation, exercise, and other forms of stress management can help you cope with the stress, fear, and worry that have gotten out of hand due to these accumulated stressors. This is especially helpful for anger that has gotten too far out of hand. Neurofeedback is another great tool that can help people become aware of their stress reactions and gain control over them. There are many different tools and techniques to manage this immediate stress reaction. It takes practice, and the first step is awareness. Simply being aware of your reactions to potentially stressful situations is enough to get you started on finding the method that works best for you. Do not let them get to you! Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit our Author's page. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Effective brain training requires a holistic approach that encompasses cognitive, physical, metabolic, and lifestyle factors related to brain health. Getting out in the sun supports several factors important for brain health and function. Many people are aware of the relationship between sun exposure and vitamin D. There are five forms of vitamin D. Each has a different role in the body. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces a bioactive or readily available form of Vitamin D known as cholecalciferol. Vitamin D doesn’t act like other vitamins. Some people say it shouldn’t be considered a vitamin because it acts as a pre-hormone. Vitamin D is used to synthesize many hormones that circulate throughout our bodies. If we don’t have adequate stores of vitamin D, we can’t form cholesterol appropriately, as well as other types of hormones that help the body and brain work efficiently. It's important to note that some people in certain cultures can’t absorb vitamin D very well or convert it into the appropriate form. There are also individuals who need to take vitamin D supplements. There are also challenges for people who have had their gallbladder removed. The gallbladder stores surplus bile created by the liver. One of the things this does is to help the body to digest fats. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It's critical to understand that if you’re having problems with vitamin D levels, there are things you can do about it. They are very easily measured. There are many ways to get around that, and it’s worth discussing with your health care provider as well as a healthcare provider who specializes in functional medicine. There are several options, such as pills, sublingual (under-the-tongue) forms, and topical vitamin D supplements. Get Out In The Sun! If you don’t have a medical condition influencing your vitamin D levels, then the best way to get the bioactive stores of vitamin D is to get out into the sun. Now for those people who are living in climates that don’t get a lot of sun: it doesn’t take a long time; 10, 15, or 20 minutes in direct sunlight can really help to boost vitamin D levels better than any pill ever could. Be ever mindful of over-exposure; always get an annual all-over skin exam by a dermatologist, and don’t forget the sunscreen! Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit our Author's page. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Perimeter shopping is a concept that more and more people are becoming aware of. During some of my lectures, I will ask whether people have heard of it. At first, I didn’t see much acknowledgment, but now I see hands going up all over the place! As the name implies, perimeter shopping is about going into the supermarket and focusing on buying food from the outer aisles and cases. The outside aisles of a grocery store are filled with fresh produce, meats, and dairy. Almost all grocery stores are set up this way because it provides convenient access to refrigeration and allows grocery store employees to restock fresh goods quickly. These products, like meat, milk, fruits, and vegetables, haven’t been changed much from their sources. So we call them whole foods. The term "perimeter shopping" refers to the area of a supermarket where whole foods are most likely to be found. There are implications: some things may not be as healthy as they could be, but by and large, whole foods are nutrient-dense. Access to whole foods and how they fit into your lifestyle can vary depending on where you live. People living in inner cities or in small rural communities tend to have a small selection of whole foods to choose from. In some areas, access to fresh produce might be limited by the season or by how often it is rotated due to decreased demand. People who grew up in these areas often consume more processed foods. What makes this concept really important is that your brain is driven by energy. The brain essentially runs on sugar and oxygen. Sugar comes from the foods that we eat. Processed foods, which tend to be found in the interior of the supermarket, are made either by breaking down whole foods or by using ingredients extracted from them. Most of these products incorporate chemical processes or chemical preservatives to extend their shelf life. As a result, processed foods tend to have lower nutrient density and lower-quality sugars. These are foods you usually find in boxes, cans, or bags. The further something is from the original source, or its original form, the harder it is for our body to break down and our brain to get adequate fuel from that food. Shop The Perimeter! The whole foods found at the supermarket perimeter are the most efficient, readily available sources of fuel for our brains. If we intend to train our brains with any degree of success, we need to make sure we have the right fuel in the tank. Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit our Author's page. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.