Get moving to slow down Alzheimer's

While we still may not have found a way to stop Alzheimer's disease, we have found a way to prevent it ... even to slow it down. So, what is this magical cure? It isn’t a pill. It isn’t an elixir. It’s the human body.

The findings of one study published by the Cleveland Clinic reported that even moderate amounts of physical activity can help to slow the progression of Alzheimer's.

Here are a few highlights worth considering:

Researchers found that elderly people with the gene associated with Alzheimer's disease who exercised regularly had significantly more brain activity during cognitive tests than people with the same gene who did not exercise. This suggests that the exercisers’ brains were functioning better.



The brains of physically active volunteers at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease looked just like the brains of people at much lower risk for the disease. Exercise appeared to have been protective.

Many of us do not carry the gene associated with Alzheimer's, but everyone has some chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. And if exercise reduces that risk in any way, then why not get up and move?

Let's celebrate National Blueberry Month!

July is the time when everything great about summer comes together to make one long, beautiful month. Bring child-like energy and life back to these lazy summer days with a few simple adjustments.

Did you know that July is National Blueberry Month? It's true! This superfruit is one that people everywhere should take notice to. New research has shown that it might even help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's! When we heard that, we were inspired to share with you:

3 #superfoods U need 2 incorporate into UR summer diet today…4 a #healthy, Alzheimer’s-free tomorrow! http://ctt.ec/1ocaP

1. Blueberries Researchers from the National Institute at Tufts University in Boston treated rats to bring on the affects of Alzheimer’s disease, and then fed a group of them a diet supplemented with blueberry extract for eight weeks. Compared to those rats fed a normal diet, the rats that ate blueberries lost fewer brain cells and were able to find their way around a maze more easily. You may not be a rat, but you can learn from one! Blueberries are sweetest in July. Let’s eat!

2. Dark Leafy Greens Deficiency of certain B vitamins, particularly folate, can make it difficult to perform some cognitive tasks. New evidence shows that even slightly low levels can have a similar effect because folate, along with vitamins B6 and B12, helps to keep homocysteine levels in check, an amino acid that impairs brain function and can increase a person's risk of Alzheimer's disease. Find folate in such healthy foods as kale, collards, swiss chard, and spinach.

3. Strawberries Strawberries are in season! Slice them! Toss them in a salad! Dust them with sugar! Whatever you do, eat them! In a study conducted by researchers at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, people who consumed the most vitamin E from foods like strawberries had a risk of Alzheimer's that was a whopping 67 percent lower than that of people who consumed the least. Pick up a bushel today!

Three tips to help this July

To us, caregivers make the world go 'round. They're brave, kind, generous, and never seem to ask for anything in return. Well, July is your month to take care of yourself. And this blog post is all about you!



Here are three simple ways to take care of yourself this summer. Take a breath, relax, and just focus on yourself for a moment!

1. Be able to recognize the signs of caregiver stress. Once you do, we'll arm you with the right strategies for getting rid of it fast.
• Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
• Feeling tired most of the time
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Gaining or losing a lot of weight
• Becoming easily irritated or angry
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling sad
• Having frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems
• Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications

2. Accept help. Be prepared with a list of ways that others can help you, and let the helper choose what he or she would like to do.

3. Set personal health goals. For example, set a goal to establish a good sleep routine or to find time to be physically active on most days of the week. It’ll do wonders!

Get ready for Blondes vs. Brunettes!

It's the age-old rivalry ... You know the one. Blondes versus brunettes. Do blondes have more fun? Are brunettes really more dependable? This year, we put it to an end!

In an epic battle, the Alzheimer Association's Blondes VS Brunettes will meet at St. Francis Desales High School on June 27. Each year, they come together to fight for yards, glory, flags and, most of all, a cure!

Don't miss Columbus' most prominent young leaders as they play to raise money and awareness in support of the programs and services of the Alzheimer's Association, Central Ohio Chapter. See you there!

Get your team together for The Longest Day!

The Longest Day is just 11 days away and on June 21, we're going to celebrate in a BIG way!

We're inviting ALZ advocates like you from all over Central Ohio to work from sunrise to sunset, honoring the strength, heart and endurance of those facing Alzheimer’s disease. It's the perfect way to celebrate the summer solstice, have fun with family and friends and advocate for the end of Alzheimer's!

Not sure how to get started on #TheLongestDay? Here’s a simple list to get the ball rolling #EndALZ #TLD http://ctt.ec/1ocaP+

1. Start a team or join a team! Easy-peezy!

2. Choose your activity! Your team will work together from sunrise to sunset, so start planning your day and check out these activities for inspiration!

3. Raise some funds! It can be easy. Here are a few ideas!

4. Enjoy yourself! The more fun you have, the brighter your light will shine and the farther our mission will be spread!

Get involved for Brain Awareness Month

Welcome to June! While you're basking in the sunshine and feeling the grass between your toes, we're cooking up something brilliant! We’ve moved our awareness month from September to June and now Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month (ABAM) can be celebrated during some of the happiest days of the year.

Among all of those neighborhood block parties, family BBQ's, and days spent poolside ... squeeze the most you can out of the summer by remembering those who cannot speak up for themselves.

This #Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month there are 3 BIG things you can do to show your #support #EndALZ http://ctt.ec/2FRE3+

• Go Casual for a Cause at your office or school. In exchange for a small donation, encourage colleagues and friends to dress down and wear "The End of Alzheimer's Starts with Me" stickers. Order your free stickers here!

• Help us reclaim the future for millions. Start a team. Join a team. Walk to End Alzheimer's.

• Create a team for The Longest Day, on June 21. Honor a person affected by Alzheimer's with dawn to dusk fun!

The Longest Day: Best Ideas for a Great Day

The Longest Day, on June 21st, enlists teams from all over Central Ohio to work from sunrise to sunset, honoring the strength, heart, and endurance of those facing Alzheimer's disease. It's the perfect way to celebrate the summer solstice, have fun with family and friends, and advocate for the end of Alzheimer’s! There are a few things you might be curious about before you decide to get onboard and we're here to clear up any questions you might have! And once you get started, we're here to inspire you!

Here are a few of our best ideas on how you can spend The Longest Day in style:

1. Father's Day Cookout: Grab a few of your neighborhood friends and host a Father’s Day Cookout, complete with BBQ, outdoor games, and plenty of sunshine! Invite family and friends to come and go as they please … But we’re guessing they’ll want to stay for the fun! You can also host competitive challenges to help fundraise to move the Alzheimer’s mission forward.

2. Artist's Retreat: For those of us with creativity running through our veins, try grabbing some friends for a all-day painting or sculpting extravaganza. The inspiration will be like electricity in the air!

3. Jam It Out: Host The Longest Day jam session by inviting local musicians to play at an outdoor venue that the whole community can enjoy. Ahhh! Music to our ears!

It's up to you! Let your creativity and passion take over, but tart planning now! The Longest Day is almost here!