Last week Bluestem Communities hosted its 4th annual Innovations in Living with Dementia community forum. About 120 attended the event where four strategies for aging well were presented by the Central and Western Kansas Alzheimer’s Association.
Attendees were welcomed with interactive booths in the lobby of Hesston Mennonite Church, where the event was held. Each booth—and the later presentation—focused on remaining physically active, eating a nutritious diet, experiencing cognitive activity, and staying socially engaged.
“These four lifestyle choices can keep your body and brain healthy and possibly delay the onset of dementia,” said Denise Vann, co-presenter and outreach coordinator for the Central and Western Kansas Alzheimer’s Association.
When it comes to exercise, Vann said the two main things to focus on is getting your heart rate up and having fun. Vann demonstrated this by bringing a volunteer on stage to dance the Macarena with her. In addition to exercise, staying connected with loved ones is important. Vann said going on a walk with friends is great since it promotes physical activity and social engagement.
Breana Jones, program director for the Central and Western Kansas Alzheimer’s Association, also presented at the event. She noted that the latest research has indicated that a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean protein, and olive oil, has proven especially beneficial to brain health.
“A recent study was done on 4,000 people that switched to a Mediterranean diet and their cognition increased by 30 to 35 percent by following the diet,” said Jones.
Jones also noted that learning new skills, engaging in conversations, and taking college courses are additional ways to remain cognitively active.
“One in six women and one in 11 men will be affected by dementia, so it is important to make these heathy choices that may delay the onset,” said Vann.
