Alzheimer's Association

Dear John,

I'm really encouraged by the recent research breakthroughs showing that adopting healthy lifestyle habits has the potential to reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Try incorporating these healthy habits into your daily life. Start now. It's never too late or too early to love your brain.
	Break a sweat: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
	Hit the books: Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.
	Butt out: Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.
	Follow your heart: Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke — obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes — negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.
	Heads up!: Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.
	Fuel up right: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.
	Catch some Zzz's: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
	Take care of your mental health: Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.
	Buddy up: Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community — if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an after-school program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.
	Stump yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain.

To make today even more impactful, your gift can make 2X the impact during our $150,000 Fall Matching Gift Challenge, made possible thanks to an anonymous donor who has pledged to match every donation made to this challenge before October 31, up to a total of $150,000. Their gift will help accelerate and expand promising Alzheimer's research. Please donate today while your gift can go 2X as far in advancing Alzheimer's care, support and research.

I am grateful for your support in the fight against Alzheimer's. Your gift today will make 2X the impact in furthering our mission to to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

I hope you'll join us today and start (or continue) adopting healthy habits for your brain and body.

Sincerely,

Donna McCullough
Chief Development Officer