About 38 million Americans are caregivers for parents, spouses, adult children with disabilities, friends and other loved ones.
“Caregivers in this country spend an enormous amount of time, money and effort to care for their loved ones,” said Dr. Kate Zhong, geriatric psychiatrist and founder of the Brainnovation Initiative at UNLV. “That takes a big toll on them emotionally, physically and financially.”
This also has an impact on caregivers’ brain health. Recent research is challenging some long-held assumptions about the older brain. One common question is: Can doing brain games, like crossword puzzles, slow mental decline?
“There are individual studies that show brain games can improve cognition,” said Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington state director. “But current research doesn’t show that brain games can reduce the risk of dementia. That said, playing games in general can be beneficial, especially playing games with others.”
Another common question is: Are our brains just simply hardwired to decline with age?
While certain skills may decline, others may improve. Nerve cells in the brain’s hippocampus, important for learning and memory, may keep growing into a person’s late 80s even.
“It’s the most sophisticated supercomputer you can ever imagine,” Dr. Zhong said. “It continues to evolve.”
Many people also know that a balanced diet and exercise are good for the heart, but does eating right and moving more do much for the brain?
There is a growing consensus among researchers that physical activity and a balanced diet have a positive impact on brain health. Studies show those who are physically active have a lower risk of cognitive decline.
“What’s good for the heart is also good for the brain,” Ro said.
AARP is hosting an event for caregivers to discuss the impact of caregiving on mental health and ways to boost brain health. Dr. Zhong will join NBC News/MSNBC anchor Richard Lui who will share his own caregiving experience when he took time away from his job to care for his father as he lived with Alzheimer’s. KING 5’s Jim Dever will then host a Q&A.
The free event is from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on March 19 at Town Hall Seattle. Find more information and register at www.aarp.org/caring4caregiver
Sponsored by AARP.
Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest at 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.
