November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and show support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living with it. In their efforts to support individuals with Alzheimer’s, the Melrose Council on Aging is offering an Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group on the first and third Friday of every month from 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. in the Milano Center Carriage Lounge located at 201 West Foster Street in Melrose.
The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group is a confidential meeting designed for those caring for a loved one with a diagnosis of dementia. Learn more about Alzheimer’s and related dementia and meet others facing similar challenges. Community members must call 781-910-8958 or email alz.caregivers.sue@gmail.com prior to their first meeting.
In addition to the upcoming support group, there are two nearby Memory Cafés, which are welcoming places for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or any other form of dementia, or other brain disorders. There is a Memory Café in Medford at the Medford Senior Center, 101 Riverside Avenue; and a Memory Café at the Jenks at 109 Skillings Road in Winchester. To learn more, community members can call the Medford Senior Center at 781-396-6010 and the Jenks at 781-721-7136.
The Health and Human Serviecs Department has also put together a list of 10 ways to love your brain, as according to the Alzheimer's Association, it’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits. Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting the following key lifestyle habits.
10 Ways to Love Your Brain
Hit the books: Formal education will help reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Stop Smoking: Smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Call 1800-QUIT-NOW.
Follow your heart: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke negatively impact your cognitive health. Incorporate extra walking steps whenever possible.
Heads Up: Brain injury can raise risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt and use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike.
Fuel up right: Eat a balanced diet that is higher in fruits and vegetables to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Catch some zzz’s: Not getting enough sleep may result in problems with memory and thinking.
Take care of your mental health: Some studies link depression with cognitive decline, so seek treatment if you have depression, anxiety, or stress. Call the Interface Helpline: 1-888-244-6843 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Buddy Up: Staying socially engaged may support brain health.
Stump yourself: Challenge your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Play games of strategy like bridge or Sudoku.
Break a sweat: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your health rate and increases blood flow. Studies have found that physical activity reduces risk of cognitive decline.
There are many other ways to get connected and involved in Melrose, particularly at the Milano Center. Community members can learn about the center’s activities by reading their “Looking Ahead” newsletter www.cityofmelrose.org/council-aging/looking-ahead-newsletter or calling (781) 662-6886.
Other resources include Alzheimer's Foundation of America's National Toll-Free Helpline that offers free virtual memory screenings seven days a week. The screenings are one to one confidential memory screenings from a qualified professional using their computer, smart phone or tablet. Screenings can be scheduled by calling AFA at 866-232-8484.
For more information and support, connect with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) by phone, 866-232-8484, text, 646-586-5283, or by visiting www.alzfdn.org.
