Steps You Can Take for Better Brain Health
A healthy brain helps you stay mobile and independent. As you age, there are ways to reduce your chance of dementia. Take care of your body and your body will take care of your brain.
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Maintain a healthy diet: Good nutrition can reduce inflammation in the body and brain.
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Keep your brain active: Engaging in a hobby and staying connected with friends can help you stay sharper.
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Get regular exercise: Even moderate exercise like a brisk walk can improve your mental health.
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Take your medication as directed: Especially if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.
Be good to your brain and your brain will be good to you. Talk to your doctor about a screening.
Alzheimer's in America and Maryland
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's and other dementia-related brain diseases is growing — and growing fast. An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are currently living with the disease, a number that is projected to climb to 12.7 million in the U.S. by 2050, barring the development of medical breakthroughs.
In Maryland, 12.3% of people aged 45 and older report they are experiencing confusion or memory loss that is happening more often or is getting worse, according to a recent fact sheet from the Alzheimer's Association. For those with worsening memory problems, 38.5% say it has created “functional difficulties" — that is, caused them to give up day-to-day activities and/or interfered with work or social activities.
Caregivers of People with Dimentia
Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers in Maryland is providing care to an individual with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. The National Family Caregiver Program works in conjunction with state and community-based services to provide support.
If you are a caregiver in need of caregiver and dementia support, visit our Caregiver and Dementia Support page.
FY24 Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Grants
The Maryland Department of Aging is pleased to congratulate six non-profits that have been awarded grants to support the implementation of comprehensive home- and community-based supportive services, improve coordination of care, and expand opportunities for social support to maximize the health and autonomy for those experiencing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) and their caregivers. Nearly $134,000 has been granted to the following organizations:
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River Oaks – Worcester Co. Commission Aging - $27,000
The funding will be used to provide “Journey Scholarships” to attend the River
Oaks Day Center one
to two days per week, benefiting underserved people with ADRDs, caregivers, and family members. -
Crossway Community - National Intergenerational Montessori Center - $26,234
The funding will be used to pay for eight Dementia Capable day-long trainings in Kensington, MD, including a total of 16 lessons, that will be infused with Montessori principles on interacting with and caring for people with ADRDs. -
Neighborhood Companions – $23,500
The funding will be used to address isolation, depression, and loneliness by providing transportation to Turner Station in Baltimore and through regular companionship and home visits. -
MAC, Inc. – LifeBridges Day Program - $20,000
The funding will be used to provide scholarships to low income African American and Haitian residents in Salisbury, MD to attend a dementia day program, that includes interventions and person-centered care programs. -
Link Generations – $11,500
The funding will be used for an intergenerational program with multiple sessions to educate middle and high school students, caregivers, and group leaders on ways to effectively engage individuals living with dementia. -
Easter Seals – $23,398
The funding will be used to establish a Dementia Live program and sustainable dementia programming in the Baltimore, Hagerstown, and Silver Spring Adult Day Centers.
