If you are over 50 and care about your health

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Most people start to worry about getting dementia or Alzheimer’s about the time they turn 50. While there is no guaranteed protocol to prevent people from getting these diseases, there definitely are things that people can do that will reduce the likelihood or at least delay the onset for a few more years. The following are four things that everyone can do when they are on the north side of 50 that can reduce the likelihood of getting these diseases.

• KEEP YOUR MIND ACTIVE - The Alzheimer’s Association has published several key actions that people can take to keep their mind active. This includes taking courses in a local high school adult education program or from a local university. Many universities have programs for seniors at very reduced rates.

  If you don’t want to pursue the education route, study on your own, Many people benefit from learning a new language, and others take courses which they can access via the internet.

  Spend time playing crossword puzzles, sudoku or other readily available mind challenging activities.

• EXERCISE - It is widely known that regular exercise contributes to a healthy lifestyle, and this is particularly true for the 50+ population.
• PROTECT YOUR HEAD – There is a great deal of research that identifies the incidence of problems associated with head injuries. The Alzheimer’s association recommends wearing a helmet while biking and for other sports where there is an increased likelihood of injuring your head.
• GET A HEARING TEST - Almost every insurance company will provide 100% coverage for an annual hearing test. This is so important, as there is now a wealth of information available that shows that untreated hearing loss significantly increases the incidence of Alzheimer’s, dementia and depression. Further, people with untreated hearing have 47% more hospital visits, largely due to falling, than do people who treat their hearing loss.

  Industry research has shown that only 20% of seniors who have a treatable hearing loss wear hearing devices. It is in your best interest to get an annual hearing test so you can treat a problem if the testing indicates your hearing has declined. The hour you spend with an audiologist testing your hearing could be the most important hour of the year for you and your health.
  

  To get a hearing test, call Audio Help Hearing Centers in Scarsdale at 914 472 4444. The clinic is located at 1 Chase Road in downtown Scarsdale and is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Dr. D’Auria has been helping the Scarsdale community hear better for over 8 years, and he looks forward to meeting new patients at his brand new office.

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