Alzheimer’s Tennessee hosting a Brain Health Fair Wednesday to improve cognitive longevity among older residents.
Regional Director Melanie Hendricks said the event coincides with Brain Health Awareness Month to encourage the public to adopt healthy practices that may slow the progression of dementia. Hendricks said the organization aims to provide a variety of resources that focus on helping individuals maintain their mental abilities as they age.
“There’s no way to cure dementia at this point, but some of the things that people can get information on at the brain health fair will help them perhaps slow it down, maybe improve their overall health,” Hendricks said.
The fair will feature between 20 and 25 vendors offering tools such as puzzles, games, excercise equipment and nutrition advice. Hendricks said the event is designed to be an open menu where attendees can choose to focus on specific areas based on their personal interests.
“Hopefully it will encourage people to adopt some better lifestyles and improve their brain health, which hopefully keeps them from progressing with dementia so fast,” Hendricks said.
The organization provides information on heart-healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables as a primary strategy for brain maintenance. Hendricks said staying socially engaged is another critical factor because isolation can negatively impact cognitive health.
“Isolation’s bad,” Hendricks said. “You know, just staying active and engaged with various kinds of activities really helps keep the brain active.”
While the nonprofit does not provide medical diagnoses, it serves as a resource for those seeking early detection through professional medical evaluations. Hendricks said the organization acts as a conduit of information to help families navigate the healthcare system when they notice memory loss.
“We help find and refer people to, ‘Okay, if you think something’s going on, then you need to see a doctor, you need to get a mini-cognitive evaluation and go that direction with it,’” Hendricks said.
Recent medical breakthroughs involving infusions have shown promise in slowing the disease if detected early enough to address plaques and tangles in the brain. Hendricks said experts at upcoming symposiums remain optimistic about new treatments currently in the research pipeline designed to cure Alzheimer’s.
“It’s extremely hard on the caregivers because you’re watching somebody that you know and love just fade away in front of you,” Hendricks said. “Sometimes they go without a lot of issues, a lot of times they become violent, hard to manage, and so one of the biggest things I, I think people that’s managing somebody’s care with Alzheimer’s is take care of yourself.”
Alzheimer’s Tennessee also facilitates support groups and educational workshops to assist family members managing the daily challenges of the disease. Hendricks said these services are funded through local fundraising efforts to ensure Tennessee families do not have to face the journey alone.
“I would encourage anybody that’s got someone that they’re have taking care of to find a support group and get involved because there’s a lot of just comfort if nothing else that you can get from talking with other people and realizing that what you’re going through, you’re not alone,” Hendricks said.