TOLEDO, Ohio — June is National Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.
The YMCA of Greater Toledo is offering a program that takes a holistic approach to preventing a disease that impacts people everywhere.
Beth Deakins, the YMCA's Executive Director for Healthy Living, said there are many factors that can cause the disease.
"We know that conditions that are impacted by lack of physical activity like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol also increase risk for developing dementia and Alzheimer's," Deakins said. "So keeping those things under control if you have them already or reducing your risk of getting them in the future is essential."
BrainSavers offers classes twice weekly that teach six pillars of a total brain and body-healthy lifestyle. Those include cognitive fitness, physical fitness, social engagement, stress management, healthy nutrition, and quality sleep.
"We do what's called a cognitive-motor activity: we're doing a brain activity while we're moving our bodies. We know that it has a beneficial impact on improving overall brain health," Deakins said. "We talk about lifestyle changes that can affect our brain health and can improve things."
Deakins said that with these activities, recent studies have shown that physical activity plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of staying active at any age.
If you want to participate in the program, the Eastern Community Branch YMCA, Anthony Wayne Community YMCA, and Fort Meigs YMCA offer the BrainSavers program.
You can visit the YMCA of Greater Toledo's website and complete an online form under the Healthy Living section.
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