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14 PA L M B E A C H G A R D E N S L I V I N G | M AY 2 0 2 6 Knowledge Becomes Power in Protecting Brain Health - By Dr. Karen Gilbert DNP MS RN CDP, Vice President of Education and Quality Assurance for Alzheimer’s Community Care I t has been 120 years since Dr. Alois Alzheimer first identified the brain disorder that would come to bear his name. Though we remain without a cure, we now know that everyday lifestyle choices play a role in protecting brain health. We also now know that chronic health conditions are connected to brain health in ways not fully understood in the past. High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart and vascular disease share a common factor: chronic inflammation in the body. These same conditions are linked to cognitive decline, symptoms of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic inflammation may lead to metabolic syndrome, a combination of conditions that increases the risk of developing cognitive decline, and specifically Alzheimer’s disease. The conditions contributing to metabolic syndrome include excess abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk for serious health issues and problems with memory and thinking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40 percent of American adults are considered obese. Nearly half have high blood pressure, as well as diagnosed or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes or “prediabetes.” The encouraging news is that the conditions contributing to metabolic syndrome are largely preventable or reversible for many people should they develop. Healthy lifestyle choices are the key. This is where knowledge becomes power. When people understand how factors like diet, physical activity, and weight affect their overall health, they are often motivated to make positive changes. For caregivers, this knowledge can help them support the health of their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder while also taking care of themselves. We now know that Alzheimer’s disease develops due to a combination of factors. Age and genetics are part of the picture, but they are not the whole story. Chronic health conditions and daily habits influence long-term brain health. Although there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, some newer medications may slow the progression of the disease for certain individuals if treatment begins early. However, these medications do not stop or reverse Alzheimer’s, and they are not appropriate for everyone. Primary care providers can help to close this knowledge gap by encouraging the lifestyle strategies that protect and preserve brain health and reduce the risk of chronic disease with patients and their caregivers. Primary care providers can explain the difference between trying to control a chronic condition with prescription medications or striving to reverse these conditions and put the brakes on the damaging effects of chronic inflammation. Primary care providers can place the most critical tool in the hands of their patients: Knowledge ! Inspiring adoption of an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is a giant step in the right direction for preventive health. Regular exercise, eliminating smoking and alcohol, getting good sleep, treating hearing loss, learning new things, socializing, and maintaining good dental health round out the list of strategies. It is always preferable to prevent diseases. It is now believed that healthy lifestyle strategies can prevent at least one-third of dementia cases due to Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. The good news is that the proactive, preventive lifestyle strategies, particularly diet, protect against a wide range of the chronic conditions mentioned here, the proverbial “win-win.” Healthcare in the U.S. needs to shift from reactive to proactive, from a “sick” care system to a proactive, health preservation system. Knowledge can help flip this switch. Alzheimer’s Community Care is committed to helping caregivers gain knowledge and confidence. Family caregivers who want to better understand brain health, recognize early warning signs, and learn practical strategies for supporting loved ones, are encouraged to attend Alzheimer’s Community Care’s Education Conference on May 21st. This event brings together experts and caregivers for a day of learning, practical guidance, and connection with valuable resources. COMMUNITY To learn more about the Education Conference and to purchase tickets, go to alzcare.org. To contact Dr. Gilbert, you can email her at kgilbert@alzcare.org.