Our current best defense against cognitive decline with aging is prevention. A “brain healthy lifestyle” incorporates the best evidence-based preventive strategies. One approach to the brain healthy lifestyle is summarized in the “DANCERS” approach – DANCERS is an acronym that reminds us about Disease management, Activity, Nutrition, Cognitive stimulation, Engagement with others, Relaxation and stress reduction, and successful Sleep. Identifiable medical causes of cognitive symptoms such as uncontrolled blood sugar, blood pressure, lipids, sleep apnea, or depression are important to identify and address. Optimizing physical activity, diet, and cognitive stimulation have each been shown to improve cognitive functioning and delay decline, although the evidence for each of these is not unmixed. Social engagement, relaxation, and adequate sleep each appear to play a role in maintaining cognitive health as well.

Guest speaker: James M. Ellison, MD, MPH, DLFAPA

Swank Foundation Endowed Chair in Memory Care and Geriatrics at Christiana Care Health System

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