As we age our brains do, too. If you are noticing changes in an adult in your life, it may be time to talk about brain health. Perhaps your loved one is having a hard time remembering things; they may act differently or struggle with everyday activities. To aid in starting a conversation about brain health and provide resources, the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America created the #TalkBrainHealth Tool Kit. The Tool Kit can be used to gather information, find resources, and talk with family, friends, and health care professionals about the health and well-being of your loved ones.
Often, the first time people notice these changes is during the holiday season—especially if we live some distance away from our loved ones. Because of this, many people may hesitate to have a conversation about it with their loved ones. But talking about brain health and memory concerns doesn’t have to be scary.
Here are some tips to consider in determining whether and how to start a conversation, ways to promote brain health, and next steps:
- Remember, it’s normal for our brains to change as we get older. Some changes associated with normal aging include changes in daily activities, such as driving less, occasional forgetfulness, or some difficulty understanding instructions and making decisions. If you notice changes beyond those listed above, it may be time to create a plan and help the person get the support they need.
- Adopt a brain healthy lifestyle. Join your loved one on a journey to promoting optimal health. Eat a diet rich in whole grains, Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Get moving! Start a regimen best-suited to your loved one’s need. Track your progress together. Also, be sure to get a good night’s sleep.
- Time to have a conversation? Be mindful of things like tone, word choice and body language. Keep in mind that there are a number of reasons someone could be having a memory problem, including vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, and depression. Using words like “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” can be jarring. Keep in mind how your choice in words, body language, and tone will be perceived by your loved one. Be supportive and let the individual know that they are not alone.
- Caregivers, get help to follow through with your next steps. Managing brain health or memory issues, sometimes along with other health care needs, can seem daunting. Tap into your support system—family members, friends, community organizations—for help. Scheduling and going to appointments, managing follow-up visits, and monitoring any further changes in the individual are all tasks that can be assisted by others to ease the stress of caregiving.
For more details on these tips and additional information on how you can start a conversation on brain health this holiday season, download the Talk Brain Health toolkit at www.caregiving.org/talkbrainhealth.