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The Pennsylvania Departments of Aging and Health encouraged all Pennsylvanians to educate themselves about the importance of brain health and to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
There are several brain health issues that can affect individuals. Some can be caused by brain damage from a head trauma, while others can be the result of a genetic problem. Various types of dementia involve memory loss and a decline in intellectual functioning that can become severe enough to interfere with a person’s ability to perform routine tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most serious and common types of dementia, and the sixth leading cause of death in Pennsylvania.
“There are 280,000 people aged 65 and over living with Alzheimer’s disease in Pennsylvania, and that number is expected to increase as the aging population continues to grow,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “June, which is Alzheimer’s and Brain Month, is an opportunity for all of us to learn the facts and understand the impacts of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. By working together, we can create a dementia-friendly Pennsylvania and engage our communities to promote better understanding and awareness of these diseases. We can also provide the right support for people with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as their families and caregivers.
There is a number of risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Some cannot be changed, while others can be influenced by a person’s lifestyle. Risk factors include:
- Age – most people with the disease are 65 and over. After 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s doubles every five years.
- Family history – People with a parent or sibling who has Alzheimer’s disease are the most likely to develop the disease, and the risk increases if more than one family member has the disease.
- Genetics – People who carry genes at risk for Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease.
- Additional Factors – Additional Factors are those that we may have the ability to influence. These include preventing head injuries, having good heart health, and healthy aging by eating healthily, staying socially active, avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol, and exercising. exercise for both body and mind.
There is a number of signs of Alzheimer’s disease, ranging from mild to severe cases of the disease. Mild signs of Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Memory loss
- Bad judgment leading to bad decisions
- Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
- Repeat questions
- Mood and personality changes
“It is important that all Pennsylvanians know the signs of Alzheimer’s disease. By knowing the signs, you could help a friend or loved one take action to seek out the best treatment available to prevent the decline, ”Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. “Individuals and families battling this disease need to know that they are not alone – there are supports and resources available. “
The Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater Pennsylvania and Delaware Valley chapters outline several ways people can work to maintain their brain health. They include:
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy diet for the heart
- Sleep well
- Stay socially and physically active
In 2018, the Department of Aging (PDA) established the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Working Group, which focused on early detection, diagnosis and treatment. In November 2020, the working group’s annual forum highlighted racial disparities and inequalities in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of dementia. The working group recently formed sub-working groups to address consumer and provider education on issues such as impacts and support for families and caregivers; financial abuse; educating physicians on starting conversations and progressing after initial diagnosis; and how to focus and engage with underserved communities.
PDA has worked with the Delaware Valley Alzheimer’s Association and Greater Pennsylvania Chapters on initiatives that include conducting community forums and needs assessments in rural communities; provide education and awareness to health systems, public health centers and clinicians aimed at improving care for people with dementia; and the development of new online training for the staff of the establishments. As part of his State Plan on Aging, the department is also partnering with the two sections to train the network of care managers and advisers from regional agencies on aging (AAA) care centers to help them interact and work effectively with people living with the disease. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
You can find more information about Alzheimer’s disease and brain health, including online training, at www.alz.org. The Ministry of Health also provides additional information on www.health.pa.gov.
Learn more about the different programs offered by PDA at www.aging.pa.gov/.
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