Utah has some very healthy brains.
According to the 2011 America’s Brain Health Index, Utah ranks No. 8 among the brain-healthiest in the nation. Strengths include active community participation and a low prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease. One of Utah’s weaknesses is a relatively high incidence of serious psychological distress.
The index is part of a national health education campaign called Beautiful Minds: Finding Your Lifelong Potential, a partnership between the nutritional product life’sDHA and the National Center for Creative Aging, a nonprofit affiliated with The George Washington University.
Conducted in 2009 and 2011, America’s Brain Health Index evaluated the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on 21 factors in four dimensions of brain health — diet and nutrition, physical health, mental health and social well-being.
Dr. Chris Hammond, a neurologist at the Ogden Clinic, said Utah is a state that promotes physical activity, with more groomed trails for hikers, more lanes designated for bicyclists and more sponsored community activities involving competitions for walking, running, swimming and cycling.
Although Utah is still battling the obesity epidemic, Hammond applauds the state’s efforts in trying to educate the public about healthy diet and nutrition choices.
“Cultural influences in the state of Utah, in addition to early campaigns and legislative efforts discouraging smoking largely have reduced related complications, including stroke and dementia,” Hammond said. “Similarly, cultural and legislative influences may also have limited alcohol-related complications.”
The predominant faith in the state, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, discourages the use of tobacco and alcohol.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association of Utah, 32,000 people across the state have the disease. That figure is expected to increase to 50,000 by 2025.
However, several institutes are working to combat the disease. In September, more than 300 people participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, held at Ogden High School. The walk, as well as other fundraisers throughout the year, raised more than $20,000, said Rodney Washburn, executive director of Mountain Ridge Assisted Living in Ogden and co-chairman of the walk.
In addition, the Utah Department of Health has launched a campaign to combat childhood obesity by starting kids in preschool off with exercise and nutrition programs. UDOH and local health departments are also providing classes for senior citizens to help them with exercise, nutrition and ways to prevent injuries from falls.
“Evidence shows that both physical exercise, including cardiovascular activity for 30 minutes daily, and regular mental activity which includes social interaction, mental challenges, along with proper nutrition can substantially assist with good brain health,” Hammond said. “In other words, reduction in stroke and dementia are all tied to these activities.”
As far as mental health is concerned, Utah’s geography can have positive effects.
“Living in mountainous areas with the abundant recreational and leisure opportunities may contribute,” Hammond said. “However, we lack mental health care assistance in this state as demand for care supersedes supply. This is one area that perhaps legislation can assist, by attracting more health care providers to assist with this shortage.”
Utah has been cited for a high rate of antidepressant use, and a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released last month indicated Utah has the highest rate of serious thoughts of suicide — 1 in 15 adults — in the nation.
DON’T STOP NOW ... KEEP YOUR MIND ACTIVE
Being healthy doesn’t mean just focusing on yourself from the neck down.
Developing and maintaining a healthy brain is also crucial. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a healthy brain will help you think, sleep, work and even play better, but it takes work, just as with any other exercise.
• Diet: The Alzheimer’s Association website warns that research suggests a diet high in cholesterol may contribute to strokes and other brain cell damage. Choosing a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits may provide protection. Cold-water fish containing omega 3 fatty acids is also recommended, as are nuts such as almonds and pecans.
• Activities: AARP’s website suggests doing crossword puzzles and other brain games such as chess to keep the mind active and healthy. The website offers a variety of activities, such as list memorization and long-term memory games. To participate, visit www.aarp.org.
The Senior Care Corner website informs its readers that math problems, painting, birdwatching and using a new word every day is great for brain health. Learning a second language is also beneficial.
The organization also suggests taking time out to relax and meditate, and to identify the causes of stress in your life and take steps to eliminate them.
