According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people suffer from some form of dementia. They predict this number will double every 20 years. What steps would you be willing to take to reduce your risk?
Area residents are doing this by participating in an educational opportunity led by Greene County public health. Registration is now open for the next 10-week Unlocking Brain Fitness: Keys to Dementia Prevention course with the first session on Sept. 3.
The program is the result of a partnership between public health, the Alzheimer’s Association and the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. Attendees connect with local experts on chronic diseases, medication, sleep, diet, exercise, hearing, socialization and more. Together, they work on incorporating lifestyle changes in these areas to optimize brain health.
“Aging is the most common risk factor for dementia, but fortunately, there are measures we can take to help offset that risk,” said public health nurse Deb Hoskins, RN-BC. “Our physical and cognitive health go hand-in-hand and the key to optimizing both can be found in alteration of some daily habits. We are here to help you integrate those changes and reduce your risk by as much as 70 percent.”
The upcoming Unlocking Brain Fitness: Keys to Dementia Prevention course is Sept. 3 through Nov. 5 on Tuesdays, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm in the Greene County Medical Center education center. Class size is limited and registration is required. This can be done by calling Greene County public Hphealth at 515-386-3228. There will be a registration fee of $20 per person.
