Hadi Finerty of the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter will share the latest research-based tips for promoting brain and body health in seniors in an Aug. 21 program at the Hinsdale Public Library. (photo provided)
What's important for brain and body well-being?
According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 7 million Americans are living with the disease. By 2050, that number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. In 2021. Alzheimer's disease was the fifth-leading cause of death among people age 65 and older.
Those are alarming figures, to be sure. But statistics should not steal people's hope in measures to stave off the effects of Alzheimer's, said Hadi Finerty, senior manager of education and community volunteers for Alzheimer's Association's Illinois Chapter.
"There are things that we can do now, at any age, to reduce our risk factors," she said.
Finerty will present the Lunch and Learn program Healthy Living for Brain and Body at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Hinsdale Public Library (the program is currently waitlisted; visit http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info for details). She'll offer attendees age 65 and older tips on healthy aging.
"We'll talk about our diet and nutrition. We'll talk about social engagement. We'll talk about cognitive activity and exercise," Finerty explained.
She'll discuss the latest research in these areas and provide some hands-on tools and strategies to help incorporate those habits into an aging plan.
Finerty cited the landmark Pointer Study, which followed 2,000 senior adults at increased risk for cognitive decline for two years to evaluate the impact of lifestyle interventions on their condition. While the full results are expected to be released next spring, Finerty said it's clear from the data reviewed thus far that healthy habits can have significant benefits.
"My presentation just goes through what this research is telling us and what we know," Finerty said. "It actually gives people hope when you can say, 'If you follow these modifications, you're able to lower your risk factor and delay the onset of Alzheimer's or dementia.' "
Diet-wise, experts have long touted the salutary properties of eating more lean meats, whole grains and berries and eliminating processed food, she said. But make sure to have your physician weigh in.
"I always encourage people to talk to their doctor before starting a diet and nutrition plan," Finerty said, cautioning against short-term fad diets. "Find what works."
She said people's concern for their memory and physical health naturally increases as they age but that everyone should be taking steps to cultivate good habits and not wait. Even those recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's should be motivated to stay the course.
"There are therapies out their for people in the early stages of the disease that is giving people more time to live," Finerty remarked. "To me this is an exciting time when have these modifiers to able to counteract risk factors."
Avoiding the sedentary life is certainly a central component.
"If there's one thing that you can do, it's to have physical exercise," she said.
And don't forget the cerebral side.
"Keep your mind active. Play bridge. Do jigsaw puzzles. Find a hobby like building furniture," Finerty advised, recognizing the desire for preventative measures that still remain out of reach. "These are all wonderful things to do."
- by Ken Knutson
