ALZHEIMER’S & BRAIN HEALTH

 

Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash

In many homes, we chalk memory lapses up to aging or ‘just being tired.’ But what if these are early signs of something more serious? This June, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we’re demystifying Alzheimer’s and showing how everyone can protect their brain health.

 

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a progressive brain disease that gradually destroys memory and cognitive function. Unlike normal aging, Alzheimer’s involves buildup of abnormal protein plaques (amyloid) and tangles inside brain cells, leading to cell death and shrinking of key brain regions. Patients may initially struggle with short-term memory but eventually lose the ability to recognize even loved ones. Rising life expectancy and growing elderly populations mean more families will face Alzheimer’s, even if awareness remains low.

 

Common Myths About Alzheimer’s

  • Myth: “Memory loss is an inevitable part of aging.”
    Truth: While some forgetfulness can accompany normal aging, frequent confusion, losing track of dates, or repeatedly asking the same questions may signal early Alzheimer’s rather than “being old”.
  • Myth: “Alzheimer’s only affects the elderly.”
    Truth: Though risk increases after age 65, early-onset Alzheimer’s can appear in people in their 50s, even late 40s, often misdiagnosed as stress or depression.
  • Myth: “Nothing can be done to prevent Alzheimer’s.”
    Truth: While there’s no cure, lifestyle choices—like brain-healthy diets, regular exercise, and mental stimulation—can lower risk and delay symptom onset.

 

Recognizing Early Signs

Identifying Alzheimer’s early allows families to plan care and access support. Look for:

  1. Memory lapses beyond “forgetting names.” missing appointments, repeating conversations, or needing reminders for routine tasks.
  2. Disorientation in familiar places. getting lost getting back home or confusion navigating well-known neighbourhoods.
  3. Difficulty performing daily tasks like struggling to follow a recipe for jollof rice or forgetting steps in the suya-grilling process.
  4. Changes in mood & personality. sudden anxiety, agitation, or withdrawal from social activities once enjoyed like attending church.

If you notice these in a loved one, encourage them to see a healthcare provider for a simple cognitive screening. Early evaluation can rule out reversible causes, like vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, and confirm Alzheimer’s.

 

Supporting Brain Health

While there’s no known cure, lifestyle choices can lower risk and delay symptom onset. Lifestyle habits to inculcate to boost brain health include:

1.      Nutrition & Diet

  • Local Brain-Boosting Foods: such as ogi (pap), fish-based soups, leafy green vegetables, etc.
  • Reduce Processed Carbs & Sugary Drinks: Sweetened zobo, bottled malt drinks, and refined rice spikes blood sugar, increasing Alzheimer’s risk over time.

2.      Physical Activity

  • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week e.g. brisk walking around the compound.

3.      Mental Stimulation

  • Engage the Brain Daily:
    • Play Ayo or Oware with grandchildren.
    • Read aloud to elders from local newspapers or scripture.
    • Learn a new skill—like beading, local weaving, or a native language.
  • Social Interaction: Regular visits, church/mosque gatherings, and storytelling sessions protect against isolation and depression, both linked to faster cognitive decline.

4.      Manage Chronic Conditions

  1. Control Blood Pressure & Diabetes: Uncontrolled hypertension and high blood sugar damage blood vessels in the brain. Routine checks can catch issues early.

 

Caring for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

1.       Emotional Support: by validating patient’s emotions and educating family members

2.       Practical Caregiving Tips

  1. Establish Routine: Consistent meal times, prayer sessions, and bedtime help reduce confusion.
  2. Create Safe Spaces: Remove tripping hazards, install grab bars near the toilet and shower, lock away dangerous items (e.g., cooking knives) to prevent accidental harm.
  3. Use Simple Reminders: Label cupboards (“Tea,” “Pots”) and place clocks/calendars with large, clear print in common areas.
  4. Engage in Meaningful Activities: Gentle gardening, listening to familiar local music (Highlife, Juju), or looking through old family photos can calm agitation and reinforce identity.

3.       Support for Caregivers: rotate visits and caregiving duties among family, neighbours, or church/mosque groups to prevent burnout.

 

Remember, Alzheimer’s is not “just old age.” Early recognition, healthy daily habits, and community support can delay onset and improve quality of life for millions. This June, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we pledge to: learn the signs, adopt brain-healthy habits, and stand by caregivers.
Share this article, and let’s build a community where every mind is valued and protected, one daily habit at a time.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SLEEP LIKE A BABY: MASTERING SLEEP HYGIENE

Image
Why Can’t You Sleep? Do you ever find yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, wondering why you can’t fall asleep? Or waking up feeling exhausted even after eight hours in bed? You’re not alone! Good sleep isn’t limited to the number of hours you sleep, sleep quality matters too. Poor sleep hygiene is one of the biggest reasons people struggle with rest. In this article, we’ll explore the right way to sleep and small changes that can make a big difference. What is Sleep Hygiene? Sleep hygiene refers to the habits, behaviours and factors in the environment that can be adjusted to improve your night sleep. Think of your body as a phone, without proper charging, it won’t function well. Sleep hygiene is like having the right charger and using it correctly. The overarching aim is to improve sleep quality and ensure you wake up feeling refreshed. The 7-Day Sleep Hygiene Challenge Want better sleep? Try this one tip per day and keep note of your progress. ✅ Day 1: Set a Consis...
Read more

How to Sanitize Your Environment: A Complete Guide for Homes, Offices, Schools, and Healthcare Centers

Introduction Keeping our surroundings clean and germ-free has never been more important. Whether you're managing a home, an office, a school, or a healthcare facility, knowing how to sanitize your environment properly is key to promoting good health and preventing disease. Let’s dive into a simple, practical guide on how to make your spaces safer, healthier, and more welcoming. Why Is Sanitization So Important? Sanitization goes beyond everyday cleaning. While cleaning removes visible dirt and dust, sanitizing kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens lurking on surfaces. Proper environmental hygiene can reduce the spread of illnesses, boost mental well-being, and even extend the life of your furniture and facilities. In places like schools and healthcare centers, it’s not just recommended — it’s absolutely critical. A Step-by-Step Guide to Sanitizing Your Environment Whether you're tackling your living room or a large classroom, the basics of sanitization remai...
Read more

THE POWER OF HANDWASHING

  THE POWER OF HANDWASHING A Simple Habit That Can Save Lives Have you ever thought of a simple habit to incorporate into your life to protect your health? Handwashing, remains one of the most cost-effective and readily available means to protect ourselves from illness. Why does Handwashing Matter? Our hands are always with us, coming in contact everything like door handles, electronic gadgets, food and sometimes even bodily fluids. Conversely, they can also be exposed to harmful microorganisms along the way predisposing us to diseases like diarrhoea, respiratory illness, and foodborne infections when these microorganisms spread from our hands and gain entrance into the body. Several studies have shown that good hand hygiene can help reduce greatly the rate we fall sick, protecting not just us but also entire communities. How does Handwashing protect you and others? Transfer of microorganism from source of infection to a susceptible host is an important part of the chain of infecti...
Read more