Virginia News Connection
During Brain Health Month, AARP Virginia is encouraging Virginians to take simple steps to help keep their brains healthy and address potential cognitive issues early.
According to the American Academy of Neurology, a growing number of adults are reporting challenges with memory and concentration. Among adults ages 18-39, rates of cognitive disabilities have doubled.
Connie Scaggs, a volunteer for AARP Virginia, said people can support brain health through physical activity, stress management, sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, learning new things and staying socially active.
“These kinds of things are also preventative,” Scaggs explained. “It is not just when you start thinking you’re having some brain health issues. These things are really preventative and can help deter some of those changes we face.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities two to three times a week. Berries, leafy greens, walnuts and mushrooms are among the common foods to help promote brain health.
Scaggs pointed out people might be experiencing brain health issues if they notice short-term memory loss, difficulty finding the right word, a harder time multitasking, repeated conversations or new sleep cycles.
“If you have any one of those, particularly maybe more than one, it’d be a great time to talk to your PCP and say, ‘Hey, I’m having these issues. Is there some test we can do? What would you recommend we do? Or is it a normal sign of aging?’” Scaggs recommended.
Throughout the month, AARP Virginia is planning events promoting brain health in Roanoke, Virginia Beach and Richmond.
