Brain Awareness Week

FROM THE NATIONAL PARKINSON FOUNDATION

MARCH 16 - MARCH 22

Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign to raise public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research, including research into the causes of Parkinson’s disease and how to treat it. In celebration of Brain Awareness Week, taking place from March 16-22, NPF is proud to present 8 Steps to a Healthy Brain.*

8 Steps to a Healthy Brain

1. Exercise

30 minutes of exercise three times a week can actually help slow the progression of PD, helping maintain balance, mobility and daily living activities.
Learn more: Download a free copy of Fitness Counts for exercises that contribute to stability.

2. Eat healthy

Proper eating habits are critical for people with Parkinson’s. Healthy eating can help keep your bones strong, which decreases the likelihood of a fracture if you fall, and can also help prevent constipation, a common ailment accompanying PD.
Learn more: Download a free copy of Nutrition Matters for tips and recipes.

3. Give Your Brain a Workout

A lifestyle that includes stimulating mental activity is clearly correlated with healthy brain aging. The brain is a learning machine, built to acquire new skills and seek new experiences.
Learn more: Try a word search or word scramble to
give your brain some exercise!

4. Stay Social

Maintaining social ties has been consistently correlated with healthy brain aging. If you would like to add to your support network or don’t have one, join NPF on Twitter and Facebook.
Learn more: Call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO
(1-800-473-4636) to get information about resources in your area.

5. Manage Stress

Overproducing stress hormones can damage the brain’s memory center. If you find yourself facing chronic stress, try stress-reducing tactics like meditation, relaxation therapy or engaging in positive social interaction.
Learn more: These Techniques for Managing Stress can help you reduce your stress levels.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Your body needs sleep to restore and repair itself and over 75% of people with PD experience sleep-related symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to practice good “sleep hygiene” if you experience problems.
Learn more: This video provides practical strategies for improving the quality of your sleep.

7. Track Medications and Supplements

Make sure your doctor knows about all the medications or herbal supplements you’re taking. Some common medications can negatively impact your brain, so if you notice a sudden change in mental status, talk to your doctor about it.
Learn more: Use our Medication Schedule to keep your daily medications on track.

8. Avoid Illicit Drugs and Excessive Alcohol Consumption

These can interact negatively with prescription drugs, causing sleep problems, cognitive impairment and dementia.
Learn more: Call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO
(1-800-473-4636) if you have any questions about the effect of drugs and alcohol on people with Parkinson’s.

 http://www.parkinson.org/brainweek

*Thank you to the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives for contributing to this page.