Optimizing Your Health & Medications

INTRODUCTION

A person’s physical health and their health behaviours can impact their brain health and ability to function.

Important aspects of physical health that influence the brain include: nutrition; diseases and sensory impairments; medications, health behaviours (including good-quality sleep, physical activity and substance use); and traumatic injuries.

HEALTHY HABITS

There are a number of healthier lifestyle behaviors that are associated with substantially lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The behaviors include: physical activity, not smoking, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption, a high-quality diet, cognitive activities, socialization and adequate sleep.


View Healthy Habits Resources

Healthy Habits: Printable PDF

MANAGING MEDICATIONS

Medications when taken appropriately help treat and manage health conditions or reduce the risk of future disease and illness. Aging-related changes can impact the way medication is processed by the body. Older adults with chronic or complex illness are often taking multiple medications.

Problems can arise if the individual is not taking medication as prescribed or if adverse interactions occur. This is particularly true for individuals with memory concerns.


View Managing Medications Resources

Managing Medications Handout: Printable PD 

Managing Medications Tips: Printable PD 

PROTECT YOUR HEAD

Living with dementia brings many life changes. It is important to look after your general health as you face the challenges of dementia. Take charge to ensure that you are as healthy as you can be.

The brain is one of your most vital organs, playing a role in every action and every thought. Just like the rest of your body it needs looking after. Brain injuries, repeated concussions, and traumatic brain injury are risk factors for dementia.


View Resources for Protecting Your Head

Protect Your Head Handout: Printable PDF

Protect Your Head Tips: Printable PDF

HEARING & VISION

Information coming soon


View Hearing & Vision Resources

Hearing and Vision: Printable PDF