Single people more likely to develop brain disorder (Alzheimer's)

Doctors say that maintaining your brain health early on could be key in preventing memory loss later in life.

"Because Alzheimer's often starts decades before it presents with symptoms, we should be thinking in our 30's and 40's about lifestyle strategies, about diet, excercise, cognitive excercise, staying engaged throughout our lives," said Jan Dougherty, Director of Family and Communication Services at Banner Alzheimer's Institute.

A recent study found that single people are twice as likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease as married or cohabitating people.

"We're creatures that do better when we are in communication and living with other peoples, so there's something about socialization that's really important to brain health," Doughtery said.

Some of the common symptoms of memory loss are:
- forgetting names
- forgetting recent events
- forgetting appointments and dates
- misplacing items / finding items in strange places
- getting lost or confused in familiar places
- having difficulty finding words or putting sentences together
- changes in behavior or personality

The memory screening clinic will help answer questions about symptoms and how to improve overall brain health.

You will need to register ahead of time and schedule an appointment for the clinic.

You can call 602-239-6850 to schedule your appointment.

Note: November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, so the Banner Alzheimer's Institute is holding a free bilingual memory screening clinic on Friday November 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Maryvale Community Center.


source: abc15