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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Polly Carver-Kimm
Polly.Carver-Kimm@idph.iowa.gov
Save Your Brain
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today launched
an online quiz to help older Iowans determine their risk for cognitive decline
and what steps to take to reduce that risk. Anyone can take the Save Your Brain
quiz online at https://idph.iowa.gov/save-your-brain.
“’Save Your Brain’ is based on the most recent science
available,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “The assessment
analyzes diet, physical activity, brain engagement and social interaction, and
comes up with a list of things an individual can do to lower their risk for
dementia or other forms of cognitive decline.” Because of the continuing
research in this area, the quiz will be reviewed at least annually to reflect
the most up-to-date science.
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in
Iowa and the U.S. and cognitive decline and dementia are often contributing
factors in other deaths. IDPH is encouraging health organizations, community groups and
individuals to access and use the online materials; for example, Broadlawns
Hospital in Des Moines is using the quiz as part of its dementia risk reduction
program.
One aspect of the assessment, diet, focuses on the
consumption of “brain healthy” foods; research shows some of the best foods for
brain health are vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry,
olive oil and wine.
The risk reductions suggested because of the quiz often work
together to benefit brain health and it is important to maintain healthy habits
in all areas. The goal of the quiz is to identify areas in an individual’s everyday
life to improve current and future cognitive health, as well as improve
physical health. Quinlisk recommends taking the quiz, working on the suggested
improvements for six months, and then taking the quiz again to see how their
risk of dementia has been reduced.
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