• Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
  • CCPA
  • Medical Disclaimer
Monday, September 25, 2023
Ector County News Online
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Technology
    • Crytpocurrency
    • Gaming
    • Gadgets
  • Sports
  • Health
  • General
    • Business Services
  • Travel
  • Press Releases
  • Popular
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Technology
    • Crytpocurrency
    • Gaming
    • Gadgets
  • Sports
  • Health
  • General
    • Business Services
  • Travel
  • Press Releases
  • Popular
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home Health

Opinion | Pandemic Underscores Importance Of Better Brain Health – Toronto Star

by NewsReporter
January 6, 2022
in Health
opinion-|-pandemic-underscores-importance-of-better-brain-health-–-toronto-star
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

’40 per cent of risk factors for dementia are modifiable,’ writes Baycrest psychologist Dr. Susan Vandermorris

credit logo

Thu., Jan. 6, 2022timer3 min. read

Dr. Susan Vandermorris is the lead psychologist in the Baycrest Memory and Aging Program.

The impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s older adult community has been devastating. Between the end of March 2020 and mid-May 2021, seniors (65 and over) accounted for 93 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths and two-thirds of excess deaths. Let that sink in for a moment.

It is imperative to reflect on what has been revealed to us. Let us consider how we can best use the lessons we continue to learn during this disturbing time in human history and move toward a collective healing.

Amid grief and heartbreak, Canadians also mourn a way of living — our homes remain offices and classrooms, and time with friends is limited to screen time, as we collectively seclude ourselves from the outside world.

A recent survey for Baycrest’s The Brain Project paints a picture of both struggle and optimism for Canadians of all ages during this time — especially our young adults. Three quarters of young Canadians (ages 18 to 34) feel a lack of mental stimulation during lockdowns — more than any other age group. Young Canadians are also more forgetful and bored during lockdown and isolation, and feel a decline in their emotional health.

With every challenge comes an opportunity. To that end, it is comforting to also learn that this young adult cohort (the one most affected in terms of brain health) is also the most likely group to engage in activities that sharpen the brain and keep it healthy. They explore creative outlets such as dance, art, language, music and writing. This type of activity is integral to supporting positive mental, emotional and spiritual states for all ages.

These findings serve as a wake-up call for young adults to get a head start on brain health; factors such as chronic stress and lack of mental stimulation are key contributors to brain decline.

Most people are not aware that the progression of diseases that cause dementia often begins before any symptoms start to show. In many cases, the brain starts to fast-track these illnesses decades before initial memory loss symptoms appear.

Throughout our lifetime, we have the opportunity to protect our brain’s resilience and there is a lot we can do to protect our brain health. In fact, research suggests that up to 40 per cent of risk factors for dementia are modifiable.

Promoting a healthy lifestyle for every age group extends far beyond diet and exercise and includes creative endeavours. Art, new languages, dance, and music reduce stress, enhance well-being and can challenge the brain to find new neural pathways.

There is no limit to what creativity can look like for everyone. For some, it’s learning a song on the piano, storytelling or engaging in intergenerational experiences. When it is deemed safe to do so by public health, we can connect face-to-face with friends and family. Group activities — such as game nights or painting parties — are a great way to maintain cognitive abilities while spending quality time with loved ones.

The arts can also help maintain a strong sense of self, culture, and connection to community. Baycrest research finds that engagement in such activities improves physical and emotional health. “Research shows that arts-based recreation has positive health outcomes, such as enhanced well-being and a reduced risk of dementia,” says Dr. Kelly Murphy, psychologist at Baycrest and co-creator of ArtOnTheBrain.

Whether it is ten minutes of journaling before bed or sketching a portrait on weekends, small but attainable activities can bolster brain health in the future. Making a habit of engaging in creative activities is an investment that involves virtually no risk and provides lifelong benefits.

The pandemic and its isolation have been painful for all. But this is a watershed moment. Investing in research will provide a springboard to a better understanding and lead the way to better brain health and aging.

Dr. Susan Vandermorris is the lead psychologist in the Baycrest Memory and Aging Program.

Related Posts

lee-health-continues-to-advance-its-innovative-robotic-program;-brings-first-excelsiusgps-robot-to-southwest-florida-–-florida-hospital-news-and-healthcare-report-–-south-florida-hospital-news

Lee Health Continues To Advance Its Innovative Robotic Program; Brings First ExcelsiusGPS® Robot To Southwest Florida – Florida Hospital News And Healthcare Report – South Florida Hospital News

by NewsReporter
April 14, 2022
0

April 14, 2022 — Lee Health announces a first of its kind robotic surgery in Southwest Florida for minimally-invasive spine and brain procedures. Lee Health has added the ExcelsiusGPS® Robot to its robotic-assisted surgery program, which features the most advanced technology in the field of robotic surgery. The ExcelsiusGPS® is...

plano-mall-transformation-begins-construction-to-see-new-life-as-hip-mixed-use-destination-–-pr-web

Plano Mall Transformation Begins Construction To See New Life As Hip Mixed-Use Destination – PR Web

by NewsReporter
April 14, 2022
0

Demo has begun on the western half of the old Market Square Mall in Plano to kick start the transformation into Assembly Park Whether you work, dine, exercise, visit or live there, Assembly Park offers something for you. We believe this convergence of activity and green space will appeal to...

a-healthy-lifestyle-is-associated-with-more-years-without-alzheimer’s-–-medical-xpress

A Healthy Lifestyle Is Associated With More Years Without Alzheimer’s – Medical Xpress

by NewsReporter
April 13, 2022
0

Credit: CC0 Public Domain A U.S. study published by The BMJ today suggests that a healthy lifestyle is associated with a longer life expectancy among both men and women, and they live a larger proportion of their remaining years without Alzheimer's disease. The findings show that a healthy lifestyle is...

improper-handling-of-seafood-detrimental-to-healthy-diet-–-senior-dietician-–-news-ghana

Improper Handling Of Seafood Detrimental To Healthy Diet – Senior Dietician – News Ghana

by NewsReporter
April 13, 2022
0

Img A Senior Dietician at the University of Ghana, Dr Maxwell Bisala Konlan has urged Ghanaians to adopt proper handling of seafood across the value chain to derive nutritional values from both fishes and shellfishes that significantly contribute to healthy living. Dr Konlan said it is necessary to reduce the...

Ector County News Online

© 2021 Ector County News Now

Navigate Site

  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
  • CCPA
  • Medical Disclaimer

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • DMCA Policy
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • CCPA
  • Terms of Use

© 2021 Ector County News Now

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT