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Community Corner

NATIONALLY RENOWNED EXPERT OFFERS FIVE TACTICS FOR KEEPING THE BRAIN HEALTHY

Did you know the brain weighs two to four pounds, is the most fatty system in the body, and consumes 25 percent of the blood from every heartbeat? Guests learned those facts and more when Covenant Village of Golden Valley hosted an educational seminar titled “Five Ways to Keep Your Brain Smart.”

Speaker Paul D. Nussbaum, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist and adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

“Many older adults want to know what they can do to keep their brains healthy,” says Gary Gardeen, executive director of Covenant Village of Golden Valley. “We are a community dedicated to whole-person wellness. Dr. Nussbaum offered insight into the untapped potential of the brain and the importance of social, mental and physical stimulation. That strengthens our commitment to offering life-enriching opportunities and activities.” 

During the event, Dr. Nussbaum explained the basic functions of the brain and provided tips to prevent or delay brain disease and maintain a healthy brain.

Attendees learned that brain health begins in the womb and can continue as you age if you engage in novel and complex activities.

“The brain is shaped by its surroundings. Exposing it to enriched environments throughout a person’s lifespan will lead to new brain cell development and increased cellular connections, known as synaptic density or brain reserve, which may help delay a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias,” says Dr. Nussbaum.

Dr. Nussbaum outlined five domains in which one should engage to maintain an active brain health lifestyle. They are:

• Socialization — join groups, develop hobbies, and maintain family and friend relationships; 
• Physical activity — walking, dancing, gardening, knitting and aerobic exercises help reduce the risk of dementia;
• Mental stimulation — participate in complex mentally stimulating activities such as playing board games, learning a new language, traveling or playing a musical instrument; 
• Spirituality/meditation — reduce stress and enhance the immune system; 
• Nutrition — increase foods with Omega 3 and antioxidants; decrease the intake of processed foods and red meat.

On Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m., Covenant Village of Golden Valley will present “Around the World: The Food of Germany.”

To RSVP for the event or receive additional information on Covenant Village of Golden Valley, call 877-415-6032 or visit www.RetireAtGoldenValley.com/rsvp

About Covenant Village of Golden Valley:
Covenant Village of Golden Valley is a faith-based, nationally accredited, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities Inc., which is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information, visit www.CovenantVillageofGoldenValley.org.

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