Lifestyle : lack of access to education , lack of exercise , poor diet , sleep problems and substance abuse , all increase risk of dementia
Genetics : a family history of dementia may increase risk but it ’ s not an absolute indicator ; more research is needed
Environment : dementia risk may increase with vitamin D deficiency as well as unsafe exposure to air pollution , pesticides , electric and magnetic fields
Reduce the Risks
Healthy diet : the MIND diet is a good example , with fresh vegetables and fruits , nuts , whole grains , olive oil and foods rich in omega-3
Regular exercise : healthcare professionals suggest 30 minutes or more of exercise at least 5 times a week
Sleep : a general guideline is 7-8 hours of sleep per night ; consult a doctor for sleep problems such as chronic insomnia , sleep apnea , daytime sleepiness , or if you “ act out ” dreams by talking or moving around in your sleep ( REM sleep disorder )
Moderation : avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake
Medications : be aware of potential side effects of prescribed and over the counter medications taken regularly , consult your doctor if you take multiple medications in case of negative interactions
Learning : learn new skills , take up new hobbies , visit new places
Social engagement : stay in touch with family and friends , join social groups like a book club or exercise class
Mental health : manage stress in healthy ways like meditation ; consult a doctor for anxiety , depression , or behavioral changes such as anger , agitation , aggressiveness or paranoia these programs through partnerships with Stanford , Kaiser Permanente , El Camino Health , Santa Clara Valley Medical Center , UC Davis Health , and other respected health systems .
Dementia Education Seminars for students of nursing , allied health and social services through new and existing partnerships with San Jose State University , CSU-San Marcos and community colleges .
Dementia
Matters , ™ a new podcast series featuring health experts who tackle brain health , dementia prevention and dementia care from different angles . Podcasts available on Spotify , Apple , Amazon and other platforms to come .
What We ’ re Doing
At the Susan and Charles Berghoff Foundation , our specific focus is Lewy body disease ( LBD ), the second most common progressive dementia after Alzheimer ’ s disease , yet the least recognized and researched .
Lewy body disease is associated with two diagnoses : dementia with Lewy bodies ( DLB ), and Parkinson ’ s disease dementia ( PDD ). It ’ s caused by an essential protein , alpha-synuclein , that forms clumps inside brain cells causing them to dysfunction and ultimately to die .
LBD causes a range of cognitive , behavioral , and physical changes and gradually robs people of their ability to carry out activities of daily living that were once second nature .
Research advances are bringing us closer to biomarkers that can identify LBD , which will improve diagnosis , drug development , and a cure .
Continuing Medical Education ( CME / CE ) programs for healthcare professionals that encompass brain health and dementia prevention , LBD diagnosis and treatment , familyfriendly dementia care , and the need for health equity to ensure better health outcomes for families living with LBD . We offer
Our new South County Dementia Caregivers Support Group , which supports family caregivers whose loved ones have LBD . We meet at the Morgan Hill Senior Center , and provide a safe space for caregivers to express concerns and share resources .
We are grateful to our Medical , University , and Community Advisors . Their unique insights and expertise are vital to our progress . We look forward to working together until dementia , especially Lewy body dementia , is a thing of the past
You ’ re Invited ! Defying the Odds : Brain Health , Dementia Prevention and Dementia Care Thursday November 14th , 6:30-8:00 pm Britton Middle School Student Union , Morgan Hill
Produced by AAUW-Morgan Hill and the Susan and Charles Berghoff Foundation . Hosted by Morgan Hill Unified School District . Free admission .
Panel discussion with special guests from regional health systems who are working to solve dementia challenges . We ’ ll discuss areas of need in our community and ways to improve our responses to those needs .
Learn more at www . berghoff-foundation . org .
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