Living a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Natalie McFarland, RN, BSNDementia Care Educator

Natalie has supervised the Alzheimer’s and Dementia related programming at Sycamore Village since 2004. She is a registered nurse and Sycamore’s on-site dementia care expert.

Natalie is “train-the-trainer” certified through the Alzheimer’s Association and The Best Friend’s Approach, providing continuous Alzheimer’s education to staff and families.

Natalie has presented at both the Illinois and Missouri Pioneer Coalition State Conferences, local Chamber of Commerce, hospitals, several healthcare facilities, and to the local community.

Natalie is featured quarterly on the Norm Greenberg Show through the local Charter Cable Network discussing a variety of dementia-related topics.

Overview of Dementia

• a broad term for any brain disorder that causes confusion, memory loss, personality changes, and mental decline

Overview of Dementia• Alzheimer’s Disease is a brain

disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906.

• He presented the case of “Auguste”, a 51 year old woman.

Overview of Dementia• Is a progressive and fatal

brain disease• Causes plaques and tangles

in the brain that destroys brain cells

• Is the most common form of dementia

• Has no cure

10 Warning Signs1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life.2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work, or leisure.4. Confusion with time or place.5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

10 Warning Signs6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.8. Decreased or poor judgment.9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.10. Changes in mood and personality.

Early Detection

Should I go to the doctor?

Keys to a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Dr. Paul Nussbaum, PhD

Five Domains of the Brain Health Lifestyle

Nutrition

•Eat healthy•Eat less•Use utensils

Top 10 Brain Health Foods

• Leafy green vegetables• Fruits with antioxidants• Vegetables with antioxidants• Omega 3 fatty acid fish• Cacao Beans• Matcha• Acai berries• Coffee beans• Soy products• Whole Wheat

Socialization•Do not isolate•Build your networks•Develop hobbies

Spirituality•Pray•Meditate•Relax•Slow down

Mental Stimulation• Learn new things• Challenge yourself• Explore

Physical Activity

•Exercise•Garden•Dance

On Flickr by StevenM_61

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Snack on nuts and berries instead of a candy bar.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Love the crunch of croutons on your salad?

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Sip red wine.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Replace candy with fruit.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Add cinnamon for a brainy breakfast.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Take a break from food.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Join a group.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Learn a new language.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Play board games

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Have a chat.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Listen to the details.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Meditate and relax.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Get support for stressors.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

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Take an afternoon catnap.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Have some scents.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Get some class.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

When you look forward, also look around.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Leave your comfort zone.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Grab a video game joystick.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Turn up the tunes.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Switch hands.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Go for a walk.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

http://3wheelcruiser.org.uk/baby-boomer/

Wear a helmet.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Bear some weight.

How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle

Shake your body.

Challenge Yourself at Every Opportunity

References• www.alz.org• www.alzprevention.org• www.empowher.com • http://bit.ly/hIEfUn• http://aarp.us/bKGSja

Contact Us•www.sycamorevillage.net•www.facebook.com/sycamorevillage•www.youtube.com/sycamorevillage•www.flickr.com/sycamorevillage•www.twitter.com/sycamorevillage

• Phone: 618-222-2571• Email: info@sycamorevillage.net