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PA Governor Rendell Promotes 'Fitness for the Brain' During Alzheimer's Disease Month

Posted on: Tuesday, 1 November 2005, 15:01 CST

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today encouraged Pennsylvanians to adopt lifestyle changes that researchers now say can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease.

"Although we still have much to learn about preventing Alzheimer's Disease, there is mounting evidence that adopting certain lifestyle changes can help to reduce your risk," Governor Rendell said. "When we talk about staying fit, we usually focus on maintaining our physical strength -- but we also need to think about fitness for our brain as well as our body."

According to research, an important step toward sustaining brain health is eating a balanced, low-fat diet. In addition, engaging in regular physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain and promotes new cell growth. Taking part in activities that stimulate your brain, such as reading or playing challenging games, also is recommended. Research also suggests that maintaining social relationships can help to reduce stress, which promotes healthy connections among brain cells.

"Make small lifestyle changes now to promote the health of your brain," said Governor Rendell. "Combining a good balance of physical, mental and social activity with a healthy diet appear to be promising ways to protect yourself from Alzheimer's Disease."

According to estimates by the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians are living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Early onset Alzheimer's disease, diagnosed in people under the age of 60, afflicts an estimated 24,000 Pennsylvanians. More than one million Pennsylvanians are believed to play a role as caregivers to individuals with Alzheimer's or a related dementia.

Governor Rendell has proclaimed November as Alzheimer's Disease Month in the commonwealth, noting the severe emotional and financial impact of the disease on patients and families, and encouraging Pennsylvanians to support Alzheimer's research programs.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the state chapters of the Alzheimer's Association are working to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and encourage adults of all ages to make healthy lifestyle choices. During November, local Alzheimer's Association chapters will sponsor candlelight vigils to raise awareness of the need to support Alzheimer's patients and caregivers, as well as increased funding for Alzheimer's and dementia-related research.

Also during November, the Department of Aging is highlighting its efforts to assist the caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Through funding provided by the department, the University of Pennsylvania's Institute on Aging is working to develop an online resource to help ease the burdens faced by caregivers. After answering a series of questions, caregivers are assessed to determine what level of resources is available to assist their specific needs. Currently accessible through Penn's Memory Disorders Clinic, this Internet-based tool will be available to the public by the end of this year.

For information about resources available to Alzheimer's patients and caregivers, contact the state's Alzheimer's Disease hotline at 1-800-438-4380. Additional information is available through the Alzheimer's Association Web site at http://www.alz.org/.

The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

EDITOR'S NOTE: the text of Governor Rendell's proclamation is attached. PROCLAMATION ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE MONTH November 2005

WHEREAS, Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain which interferes with the memory and mental capabilities of people as they age; and

WHEREAS, across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there are approximately 500,000 people living with Alzheimer's Disease or a related dementia, with the life span of an Alzheimer's patient ranging from three to 20 years following diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania businesses are estimated to spend about $2.6 billion annually due to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's that relate to lost productivity, absenteeism, and worker replacement; and

WHEREAS, the detrimental effect of Alzheimer's Disease extends far beyond its victims; 1.2 million individuals in Pennsylvania are serving as caregivers to those who are afflicted by the disease; and

WHEREAS, state programs such as Pennsylvania's Older Adult Day Services and Family Caregiver Support Program can help to assist caregivers who struggle with the daily challenges of providing care to individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias.

THEREFORE, I, Governor Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim November 2005 as ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE MONTH in Pennsylvania. I encourage all citizens to learn more about Alzheimer's Disease and to lend their courage, support, and caring to the patients and families afflicted with this devastating condition.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this twenty-sixth day of October in the Year of our Lord two thousand and five, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirtieth. EDWARD G. RENDELL Governor CONTACT: Kate Philips Pennsylvania Office of the Governor 717-783-1116

Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Kate Philips, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-783-1116

Web site: http://www.alz.org/

Web site: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire

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