Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, ultimately interfering with daily tasks and independence. Dementia is a collection of symptoms to describe the decline in cognitive abilities whereas Alzheimer’s is the specific brain disease that causes dementia. People with Alzheimer’s experience memory loss, difficulty with familiar tasks, and struggle with disorientation. It is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide.
While Alzheimer’s is more likely to occur as people get older, it is not a normal part of aging. Common risk factors of Alzheimer’s include:
High blood pressure and heart disease
Head trauma or injury
Poor sleep
Social isolation and lack of mental stimulation
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can help slow its progression and can improve quality of life. Brain health shoud be a key priority in life, no matter what age, as the brain influences overall well-being. Here are a few ways to promote brain health:
Identifying symptoms early allows individuals with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones to prepare for the future and access needed support and resources to live a healthy, more balanced life.
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing at night or early in the morning. If people with asthma are exposed to a “trigger” the symptoms can become more severe.
Asthma Triggers include:
Smoke or secondhand smoke
Outdoor allergens, such as pollens from grass, trees and weeds
Indoor allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites and mold
Certain drugs and food additives
Irritants in the air, chemical fumes and strong odors
Colds, the flu, acid reflux, or other illnesses
Exercise (although people with asthma can benefit from some exercise)
Stress
Weather conditions, such as cold air or extremely dry, wet or windy weather
Asthma cannot be cured. However, by eliminating asthma triggers and taking asthma medication, you may be able to reduce the frequency of your asthma attacks. Treatment varies from person to person, so it is important to work with your doctor to manage your asthma and create an asthma action plan. Learn how to recognize, reduce or eliminate common asthma triggers in your home.
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. People of all ages, sexes and races can get arthritis, but it is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.
While there is no sure way to prevent arthritis, you can reduce your risk and delay the potential onset of certain types of arthritis.
Maintain a healthy weight. Your joints must support your body weight. Being overweight or obese can put added stress on them.
Be physically active. Exercise strengthens the muscles around the joints, which protects them from wear and tear.
Wear proper safety equipment when playing sports. Over time, the joints can start to wear out. But when you injure your joint—for example, while playing sports or due to an accident—you can damage the cartilage in the joint and cause it to wear out more quickly.
Visit the Arthritis Foundation website for more information. You can also help manage your risk by participating in our free lifestyle programs:
There are many types of cancer. While cancers are alike in some ways, they are different in the ways they grow and spread. There are several factors that can put you at an increased risk of developing cancer. These include using tobacco products, sun exposure, being overweight or obese, and drinking too much alcohol.
Knowing the cancer history of your family is also important to understanding your potential risk for cancer so you can take charge of your health.
The signs and symptoms of cancer depend on where the cancer is, how big it is, and how much it affects the organs or tissues. If a cancer has spread (metastasized), signs or symptoms may appear in different parts of the body. Just as the signs and symptoms can vary, the treatment options for everyone will vary as well.
The good news is that you can decrease your risk of preventable cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices like:
Getting regular physical activity
Eating a healthy diet
Quitting tobacco use
Getting recommended cancer screenings
Wearing sunscreen
Maintaining a healthy weight
Drinking alcohol in moderation
You can manage your risk by participating in our free lifestyle programs:
