Committing to better brain health

Alzheimer Society
News Release

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For many Canadians, eating healthier foods, committing to an exercise program and reducing stress are three common goals for the start of every New Year.

This January, as we recognize Alzheimer Awareness Month and the kick off of the 2008 Heads Up! For Healthier Brains! campaign, the Alzheimer Society is encouraging Canadian families to keep to their resolutions by challenging people of all ages to join together and make the commitment to better brain health.

“Even with the best intentions, we all know how difficult it can be to keep on track with our New Year’s Resolutions. Starting this January, the Alzheimer Society is hoping to provide both support and motivation to people by offering a variety of on-line incentives,” says Scott Dudgeon, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “These include everything from the launch of ‘Brain Booster’, our new brain gym, to a contest in conjunction with Homemakers magazine that will encourage people to make their commitment to better brain health, as well as enter their name into a draw for a chance to win some great prizes.”

Making the commitment is easy, and can include things like eating brain healthy food, staying socially connected, adopting an exercise program, protecting against concussions, or challenging your mind, by playing games like chess or number puzzles.

“Research is showing that by improving your brain health, you can help to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” says Dr. Jack Diamond, scientific director for the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “For people already living with Alzheimer’s disease, many of these same things can help to improve quality of life, and may even help to slow the progression of the disease.

Starting Jan. 2, people are encouraged to visit www.alzheimer.ca to learn more, as well as sign up with their individual commitments. The website will also feature stories from other Canadians, highlighting their triumphs and challenges as they implement their own healthy brain pledges.

Also, during the month of January, we encourage you to contact our local branch of the Alzheimer’s Society at (705) 495-4342 to learn more about activities happening in North Bay and the surrounding area throughout the month, as well as to register for our Walk for Memories.

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