Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Spring 2021

A combination of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets may help lower Alzheimer’s risk, research suggests. 4 Know the risks of alcohol. Drinking can harm the brain. Alcohol and medicines don’t mix. You can become more sensitive to alcohol as you get older. Heavy drinking can make some health problems worse. 3 Give your brain a good night’s rest. Sleep problems may lead to memory and concentration problems. Tell your doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping. 6 If you smoke, it really is time to quit. Smoking harms your brain, not to mention causes lung cancer, heart disease and more. Ask your doctor about stop-smoking medicines and programs. Sources: Alzheimer’s Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institutes of Health 5 Exercise your mind. Staying mentally and socially engaged may help protect memory and thinking. Keep your mind actively engaged in things that bring joy and meaning to your life. For example, you might try volunteering, starting a hobby or learning a new skill. Staying in touch with friends and loved ones is also a good way to support your brain and mental health too. WORRIED ABOUT MEMORY CONCERNS? Make an appointment with Curtis Schreiber, M.D., at the Missouri Memory Center in the CMH Neurology and Headache Center, Bolivar. The center offers free cognitive screenings on the third Friday of each month. To register or for more information, call 417-327-3530 . citizensmemorial.com 13