The Healthy Body Healthy Brain Campaign Alaska Commission

The Healthy Body, Healthy Brain Campaign Alaska Commission on Aging Alaska Division of Public Health Alaska Mental Health Trust Legislative Health Caucus Tools to Stay Healthy: Health Education & Literacy Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Older Alaskans by Age Group, 2001 - 2030

Some 4, 919 Alaskans age 65 and older, or 10. 8% of that age group, may have Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), based on national prevalence rates. .

Healthy Body, Healthy Brain Campaign Educational outreach effort targeted to baby boomers and seniors Senior Centers and Public Health Centers Educational Strategies Focus on the importance of lifestyle choices and reducing risk for developing ADRD Growth of senior population Prevention makes good “cents. ”

Healthy Body, Healthy Brain

Healthy Body, Healthy Brain

New Research Findings Physical activity reduces risk of ADRD Depression is an ADRD risk Mental activity protects against ADRD risk Folate may protect against Alzheimer’s disease Obesity linked to Alzheimer’s disease

Reducing Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of the aging process The risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, like other chronic diseases, can be reduced by healthy lifestyle habits.

Dementia Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia Related disorders include: Ø Ø Mild Cognitive Impairment Vascular Dementia Mixed Dementia (Alzheimer’s & Vascular) Wenicke-Korsakof

Common Features of Dementia Affects Short Term Memory Problems with Comprehension, Attention Span, and Impaired Judgment Disorientation to Time and Space

Medical Risk Factors Heart Disease Stroke High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Levels Diabetes Head Injuries

Healthy Lifestyle Choices Be physically active Eat smart Be positive & socialize Live tobacco free Seek stimulation and new challenges Be head smart… avoid falls

Healthy Body, Healthy Brain Campaign Enhancement Project funded by the Alaska Mental Health. Trust Authority with MHTAAR funds $150, 000 in GF/MH has been requested to expand the program to senior centers and community health centers Fund programs that reward healthy lifestyle behaviors

Thank you.