by Tara T. Claghorn-Nicastro
It is important to get a baseline of your cognitive health, especially if you have a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s, or if you notice a change in thinking, memory, or behavior in yourself or in your loved ones.
There are many risk factors for cognitive decline that can’t be controlled including age, genetics, brain injury, and certain diseases (i.e. Parkinsons, etc.). The list below outlines some lifestyle risk factors that you can take steps to improve your brain health and slow cognitive decline.
- Lack of Activity/No Exercise - Find something you enjoy and go get active!
- Heart Health & Heart Disease - A healthy heart equals a healthy brain. Make sure to get your heart health checked at your annual wellness visit or keep up with your cardiologists visits if you already have a heart related diagnosis.
- Hearing Loss - People who don’t hear well tend to isolate, which reduces socialization and human connection. Hearing loss can also strain your brain and can take away from other brain functions (thinking, memory, etc.).
- Poor Sleep Habits - Natural plaques and waste products produced by your body are eliminated from your brain while you sleep. Less than 6 to 8 hours of sleep can be a risk factor for dementia.
- No Cognitive Challenge - Your risk for dementia can increase if you aren’t learning a new skill, challenging your brain, playing a new sport, etc.
- Check Out Cognifit: https://www.cognifit.com/ (It’s an app to help you determine what your cognitive strengths and weaknesses are and has brain games and tips to help you improve areas that need work.)
What is Covered by Medicare for Cognitive Related Diagnoses, Dementia & Alzheimers?
- Check out the details of the Cognitive Assessment that Medicare Covers Here:
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/cognitive-assessment-care-plan-services
Stay informed, Stay Active, & Get Your Brain Working! Remember, we are here to make Medicare easy for you!
