More than 6.9 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia and that number is expected to increase as the number of people over the age of 65 grows. This makes it critical to educate older adults about how to prioritize and preserve brain health.
We recently hosted a Brain Health Series with USC’s Han Lab – a research group focusing on brain health across the lifespan to improve the well-being and independence of older adults.
The series was led by PhD candidate Laura Fenton, whose pioneering research in the early detection and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease offers great hope in the field of cognitive health.
Her two-part series included details about the steps we can take to maintain brain health as we age. Fenton wove current research together with practical tips, offering evidence-based recommendations to empower GenSpace members to take action now.
Six Pillars of Brain Health
Fenton introduced the six pillars of brain health which include: social engagement, mental fitness, managing stress, exercise, sleep, and diet.
Emphasizing how exercise, sleep, and diet significantly influence cognitive aging trajectories, Fenton offered ways to bolster members’ cognitive well-being.
Fenton also walked GenSpace members through interactive activities to understand the benefits of mindfulness for brain health. Members engaged in a breathing meditation to find peace and presence, which illustrates the connection between mindfulness and cognitive well-being.
The second session of the workshop focused on the interplay between brain health and mental well-being. Fenton elaborated on the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) recommendations, emphasizing the importance of feeling good and functioning well at any age. These insights were particularly tailored to understanding how supplements can support brain health alongside comprehensive cardiovascular activity to enhance cognitive function and longevity.
A significant part of the discussion centered around delirium and its differentiation from dementia. Fenton provided recommendations to avoid misdiagnosis, underscoring the importance of accurate understanding and response to cognitive challenges.
The Han Research Lab’s work on brain health across the lifespan offers valuable insights to improve well-being and independence for older adults.
For more information, visit: https://www.hanresearchlab.com and stay tuned for future workshops.
