About the BrainyActive Challenge
The BrainyActive Challenge is The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County’s annual fundraiser to bring our community together to take action to prevent and delay dementia. Anyone can take the BrainyActive Challenge by doing a brain-boosting activity every day for 21 days, this September.
Did you know that you can prevent and delay dementia?
Many commonly known health risks can lead to the development of dementia such as poor diet, lack of exercise, an excess of alcohol, and head injury. There are also lesser-known factors such as lack of social interaction, hearing loss, and depression which can also contribute to dementia later in life.
BrainyActive Categories
Here are some BrainyActivities that may help you to reduce your risk for dementia. It's simple, pick from one of the 3 categories and connect with an expert on the subject. Day by day, you will be guided to make small adjustments to reach your goal to build a new brain-boosting habit!
1. Get Mindful
Prolonged stress can cause changes in the immune system and may play a role in the development or progression of dementia. Reducing or managing your stress can help you to reduce your risk of dementia.
- Meditate for 10 minutes every day
- Get 8 hours of sleep every night
2. Get Nourished
Diseases like diabetes and obesity can occur for a number of reasons, some less within our control than others. Left unchecked, they may lead to later life dementia. Learn how to make healthier lifestyle and diet choices in your daily life. This will help to manage blood sugar, cholesterol levels and weight which can reduce the risk of these illnesses and dementia later in life.
- Reduce your added-sugar intake: have an apple instead of that glass of apple juice
- Add a plant-based meal to your day
3. Get Moving
Doing regular moderate to vigorous physical activity is linked to overall health benefits and can help prevent the onset of dementia.
- Get 21 minutes of cardio every day: walk, run, bike, swim or boogie that third of an hour away!
- Pass on the elevator and take the stairs!
Benefits of the BrainyActive Challenge
By participating in the BrainyActive Challenge, you will experience both immediate and long term results. You’ll increase your brain’s “cognitive reserve”: its ability to compensate for damage caused by dementia.
This challenge engages people to connect with their loved ones and community safely both virtually and in-person while respecting COVID measures.
BrainyActive Challenge Sponsors
Founding Sponsor
About Baker Tilly Canada
With member firms from coast to coast, the Baker Tilly Canada Cooperative is one of the country’s largest associations of chartered professional accounting firms. As an all-Canadian network, we have a longstanding reputation for value-added audit, tax and advisory solutions, due to the depth and breadth of our in-house skills, customized offerings and service excellence. Through our strong network infrastructure, shared expertise, resources and offices across the country, our independent member firms provide clients ranging in size from large, publicly traded companies to owner-managed and emerging businesses with a full complement of professional services across every major industry sector.
Supporting Sponsors
About The Dementia Society
Many people experience symptoms of dementia long before diagnosis. Many people are relieved to finally understand what is “going on” yet for others, the diagnosis creates fear and worry. What does it all mean, what does it mean for my spouse, partner, family, friends and future? All of these thoughts are natural and expected, and they need not overwhelm. The Dementia Society is here to walk with you, and to understand your goals and help you live them. We are your own community of support.
Did you know? You don’t need to be referred to the Dementia Society
Call Us Anytime. You don’t need to be referred by a medical professional or social worker to connect with the Dementia Society? Navigating care options for dementia is tough enough. We don’t add to that; rather we’re here to help with that and more. From dementia education to practical strategies for people living with dementia and their care partners, to fun, safe (now online!) activities like music and art. You can take advantage of these services at no cost.
For more information on The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, please visit www.dementiahelp.ca.
