Civic Coffee Recap: Brain Health

On April 30, Age Friendly Seattle and Seattle Public Library  partnered to host their monthly Civic Coffee event at the Southeast Seattle Senior Center on the important topic of brain health. They were joined by two expert panelists, Katie Zeitler, program manager of Dementia Friends Washington, and Dr. Karen Torres, a clinical neuropsychologist with the University of Washington Department of Neurology. Together they discussed memory loss and shared practical tips for maintaining cognitive function.

What Is Brain Health?

Zeitler began by providing an overview of brain health, emphasizing the importance of the well-being of all areas of the brain that are responsible for various functions, including memory, personality, movement, language, and the senses. To maintain brain health as we age, it is essential to keep these functions strong.

Building on this, Dr. Torres defined brain health as the integrity of the brain and its impact on various abilities. The speakers discussed the process of evaluating cognitive and emotional functioning in older adults experiencing changes in their brain function, such as memory. They begin with an interview to determine how the changes are affecting the patient’s life. Next, testing is conducted to assess the integrity and health of all brain parts, with a particular focus on the patient’s memory and learning abilities. This assessment enables them to determine if the cognitive changes are related to aging or other factors, such as dementia. Ultimately, this allows them to make a diagnosis and provide recommendations for maintaining the patient’s brain health for as long as possible.

Differentiating Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dr. Torres clarified that dementia is an umbrella term for cognitive impairments that interfere with daily living, such as the ability to manage medications, handle finances, or drive safely. When memory loss begins to interfere with a person’s ability to live independently, they may be diagnosed with dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia associated with the accumulation of proteins that damage brain tissue and is one of the most common causes of dementia. She also noted that other medical conditions, such as stroke, can lead to dementia by impairing blood flow to the brain.

Click on the image above to watch a video recording of the Civic Coffee on brain health (YouTube, 102:08).

Recognizing Cognitive Decline

Both panelists highlighted that while specific memory changes are a normal part of aging, it’s crucial to differentiate between ordinary forgetfulness and memory loss that disrupts everyday life. Examples include consistently forgetting to take medications, turn off the stove, or manage appointments. These signs may go unnoticed by the individual, making it essential for family members and friends to observe these behaviors and speak up if they occur frequently.

Risk Factors for Dementia

Zeitler said dementia risk factors are categorized into two types: non-modifiable and modifiable. Non-modifiable risk factors include genetics, such as sex assigned at birth and racial or ethnic background, factors that cannot be changed.

Preventive measures can combat modifiable risk factors. Zeitler highlighted multiple examples, including managing hearing health, treating high blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use, maintaining a healthy weight, preventing head injuries and falls, and reducing social isolation. Additionally, Zeitler mentioned there are studies that cite exposure to pollution as a concern. Wearing an N95 mask and using air purifiers at home are encouraged for those living in areas with poor air quality.

Maintaining Brain Health

To maintain a healthy brain, Zeitler suggested eating a well-rounded diet to ensue blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol are at healthy levels. She also emphasized the importance of getting adequate sleep, ensuring between six to eight hours a night to give the brain time to rest and repair. Additionally, physical activity is highly beneficial to cognitive health, whether it’s walking, gardening, tai chi, or even dancing.

Dr. Torres added that in addition to physical activity, good brain health relies on both mental and social engagement. While games like bingo and crosswords can be beneficial, she recommended learning something new that is both interesting and mentally challenging. Engaging in complex problem-solving tasks stimulates the brain in ways that support long-term cognitive sharpness. Activities such as learning a new musical instrument or studying a new language can support this process. Additionally, staying socially connected through group activities, community events, and visiting with friends or family plays a key role in maintaining cognitive function.

Creating Dementia-Friendly Communities

Zeitler shared more about the mission of Dementia Friends Washington, which aims to raise awareness and encourage those living with dementia to be more active in the community. They actively engage with the community to share information and encourage individuals to take action to foster a dementia-friendly community. These events vary, and encourage one of the three goals of staying active: physically, socially, or mentally. One popular example is a memory café, where individuals with dementia and their caregivers can come together to socialize, listen to music, and create art while sharing refreshments. Additionally, nature walks are another impactful dementia-friendly event, encouraging both social connectivity and physical activity.

Dementia-friendly events are intended not only to assist individuals with dementia, but also to reduce the stigma surrounding the condition and support people living with it. To learn more about upcoming events or get involved with dementia-friendly programs in Seattle, check out Dementia Friends Washington.

Age Friendly Seattle and the Seattle Public Library thank Katie Zeitler and Dr. Karen Torres for their helpful insights on memory loss and practical strategies for maintaining a healthy brain. They are also appreciative of the SouthEast Seattle Senior Center for partnering in this Civic Coffee event. 

Contributor Reese Wohrle is an intern with Age Friendly Seattle. He is studying Community, Environment, and Planning at the University of Washington’s School of Built Environments. To read more about Civic Coffee and other programs, visit Age Friendly Seattle.