Healthy Living for your Brain and Body
By Donald Partelow
On the evening of Thursday, February 18, the Pawling Library welcomed two representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association, Caterina Rivera and Community Engagement Manager Joan Carl, who addressed in an online lecture the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Caterina Rivera led the lecture with Joan Carl providing additional information. The presentation was divided into four sections: Physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity and social engagement.
Ms. Rivera said that aging well depends on a few things: our genes, environment , and lifestyle choices, which may help to keep our body and brain healthy. “Dementia is caused by many different diseases and conditions and is not part of normal aging” she said. “Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia.”
There was a great deal of information covered in this hour long presentation. Following the PowerPoint section of the program, our presenters took questions from the audience. A participant asked, “Can you speak about the science of Alzheimer’s? Is there a cure, a vaccine?”
Caterina Rivera: “Our mission is to have a world without Alzheimer’s. There is no specific cure that is known. Right now all of the therapeutics that have been developed just treat the symptoms and not the progression of nor the cause of the disease.”
Joan Carl: “There is a medication that has been presented to the FDA. It’s showing good signs in terms of helping people who are in the early stage of Alzheimer’s. It’s in progress, there trying to get it passed.”
At the end of the program, Ms. Rivera gave us four easy steps towards health: “Get moving, eat right, keep your mind active, and stay connected with others.” She stressed the importance of making healthy choices that we enjoy, and getting support from others. We can begin today to make a positive change in our lives, and have fun along the way.
The Alzheimer’s Association can be reached around the clock for people in need. They are there for us and for that we are grateful.
Caterina Rivera and Joan Carl return for the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease on Thursday, March 18, from 7-8 pm.
