—– June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month —

June 02, 2021

Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter Encourages Residents to Make Brain Health a Priority as Part of Their Return to Normal

—– June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month —–

MACON, MO, June 1, 2021 – With COVID-19 vaccines rolling out across the country, many Americans are looking forward to resuming their lives and returning to normal. This June, during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri is encouraging Missouri residents to make brain health an important part of their return to normal. More than 120,000 Missouri residents are living with Alzheimer’s with more than 194,000 family and friends serving as their caregivers.

“The past year has been extremely challenging for most Americans,” said Stacy Tew-Lovasz, Chapter President. “Chronic stress, like that experienced during the pandemic, can impact memory, mood and anxiety. As Missouri residents begin to return to normal, we encourage them to make brain health a priority.”

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri offers these five suggestions to promote brain health and to help Missouri residents restore their mental well-being:

Recommit to Brain-Healthy Basics. Evidence suggests that healthy behaviors took a back seat for many Americans during the pandemic. The Alzheimer’s Association — through the U.S. POINTER study — is examining the role lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, may play in protecting cognitive function. Many experts agree that people can improve their brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline by adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

Return to Normal at Your Own Pace. Many Americans are eager for a return to normal life following the pandemic, but others are anxious. The Association suggests taking small steps. It may also be important to set boundaries and communicate your preferences to others in your social circles.

Help Others. Helping others may not only make you feel better, but it may be good for you as well. Research shows that helping others in a crisis can be an effective way to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Unplug and Disconnect. Technology has dominated our daily lives like never before. While technology has kept us connected through COVID-19, it has also created fatigue. Experts advise setting limits on your screen time, avoid carrying your phone everywhere, and disconnecting from digital devices at bedtime.

Control Your Stress Before it Controls You. Prolonged or repeated stress can wear down the brain, leading to serious health problems including memory loss and increased risk for dementia. Reports indicate that Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are especially vulnerable to physical and emotional stress. The Alzheimer’s Association also offers tips to help manage caregiver stress.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month visit alz.org/abam.

About Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Created by the Alzheimer’s Association in 2014, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is dedicated to encouraging a global conversation about the brain and Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, available resources and how you can get involved to support the cause, visit alz.org.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.