MSDH Urges BOLD Action During Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

Jackson, Miss. — More than 7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, a number projected to nearly double by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Mississippi ranks 3rd in the nation for prevalence of the disease among adults over 65, and Hinds County ranks 5th nationally among other counties. The Mississippi State Department of Health wants you to know that despite the data, you may be able to stave off the disease by making intentional daily decisions to improve your brain health.

“Keeping your brain healthy is essential for living a long and full life,” said Paulita Edwards-Childs, Healthy Aging Bureau Director. “Our BOLD program partnered with The MIND Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center to create the Be Brain Mighty campaign.”

Here are 8 Simple Ways to Protect Your Brain and Be Brain Mighty:

• Protect your head by wearing your helmet and seatbelt, and use safety features like handrails.
• Get good sleep. Aim for seven hours or more of uninterrupted sleep every night.
• Eat healthy, with a daily intake of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grain, nuts and seeds.
• Get moving. Find ways to walk more and sit less.
• Stay healthy. What’s good for your heart is good for your brain.
• Control blood sugar. High blood sugar can damage the nerves in your brain.
• Stay connected. Spending time with others is good for your brain.
• Keep your brain active. Try learning new skills, reading, or doing puzzles.

Alzheimer’s disease is the 5th leading cause of death for people 65 and older, and Black Americans are twice as likely as White Americans to develop it. Though memory problems are one of the first warning signs, the disease is not a normal part of aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with one or more of these 10 symptoms should see a physician to determine the cause:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Challenges in planning or solving problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure
• Confusion with time or place
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations
• New problems with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing things and not being able to retrace steps
• Decreased or poor judgment
• Withdrawal from work or social activities
• Changes in mood or personality

For more information on recognizing and preventing brain diseases, visit msdh.ms.gov/dementia