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The Healthy Body, Healthy Brain Campaign Alaska Commission on Aging Alaska Division of Public Health Alaska Mental Health Trust. Legislative Health Caucus Tools to Stay Healthy: Health Education & Literacy Wednesday, November 14, 2007. Older Alaskans by Age Group, 2001 - 2030.
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The Healthy Body,Healthy Brain CampaignAlaska Commission on AgingAlaska Division of Public HealthAlaska Mental Health Trust Legislative Health Caucus Tools to Stay Healthy: Health Education & Literacy Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Some 4,919 Alaskans age 65 and older, or 10.8% of that age group, may have Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), based on national prevalence rates. .
Healthy Body, Healthy Brain Campaign • Educational outreach effort targeted to baby boomers and seniors • Senior Centers and Public Health Centers • Educational Strategies • Focus on the importance of lifestyle choices and reducing risk for developing ADRD • Growth of senior population • Prevention makes good “cents.”
New Research Findings • Physical activity reduces risk of ADRD • Depression is an ADRD risk • Mental activity protects against ADRD risk • Folate may protect against Alzheimer’s disease • Obesity linked to Alzheimer’s disease
Reducing Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia • Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of the aging process • The risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, like other chronic diseases, can be reduced by healthy lifestyle habits.
Dementia • Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia • Related disorders include: • Mild Cognitive Impairment • Vascular Dementia • Mixed Dementia (Alzheimer’s & Vascular) • Wenicke-Korsakof
Common Features of Dementia • Affects Short Term Memory • Problems with Comprehension, Attention Span, and Impaired Judgment • Disorientation to Time and Space
Medical Risk Factors • Heart Disease • Stroke • High Blood Pressure • High Cholesterol Levels • Diabetes • Head Injuries
Healthy Lifestyle Choices • Be physically active • Eat smart • Be positive & socialize • Live tobacco free • Seek stimulation and new challenges • Be head smart… avoid falls
Healthy Body, Healthy Brain Campaign Enhancement • Project funded by the Alaska Mental HealthTrust Authority with MHTAAR funds • $150,000 in GF/MH has been requested to expand the program to senior centers and community health centers • Fund programs that reward healthy lifestyle behaviors