Reflecting On the Past Year
This newsletter summarizes the news shared by the NC Registry for Brain Health in the past year. We have a lot of accomplishments to celebrate, and we are most grateful for people like you who support this important work to improve brain health. Some highlights of the past year include:
- The Registry grew to include over 12,000 members.
- Our dedicated Registry team connected with diverse communities – sharing free resources and leading educational talks at 130+ events throughout NC.
- Our Registry members participated in the important discoveries of 16 unique studies in many different areas of brain health. Learn more about our studies at ncbrainhealth.org/registry-studies.
We hope the information in this newsletter helps you learn more about brain health, opportunities to participate in research, and connect with local organizations.
Thank You For Being Part of Our Community
We sent you this printed newsletter because we don’t have a working email address for you. To receive monthly brain health news, caregiver tips, and information about upcoming events via email, contact us at NCBrainHealth@duke.edu or (919) 613-8633.
IMPROVING BRAIN HEALTH
The Effect of Music on the Brain as People Age
Listening to music activates regions of the brain involved in sound, language, and reward processing. One study found that participating in a community choir increased participants’ self-esteem, sense of belonging and interest in life. It also reduced their feelings of loneliness. Ongoing studies are exploring the use of music to help ease sleep problems and agitation in people with dementia. Learn more on the NIH website.
Take Care of Yourself as a Caregiver
Taking time for yourself can make you a better caregiver. The National Institute on Aging recommends Activities for Caregivers to help improve your well-being, lower your stress, and build a supportive network. Recognize your dedication and reach out for help when you need it.
For information on caregiving support in North Carolina and to learn about upcoming webinars, visit the Duke Dementia Family Support Program website.
Diets Linked to Fewer Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
A recent study funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) found that diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, beans, nuts, and fish may help protect the brain from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. The brains of study participants with diets higher in green leafy vegetables, like spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce, showed fewer signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Read more on the NIA website.
Brain Health Tips
Explore more brain health tips and discover what tips you are already practicing everyday using our brain health checklist. Visit ncbrainhealth.org/brain-health-tips for more information.
What is Clinical Research?
Clinical research studies help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. Many treatments used today would not exist without volunteers who participated in research studies. Learn more on the NIA website.
The NC Registry connects people with brain health studies. To learn more about these studies and to participate, please visit ncbrainhealth.org/registry-studies, or contact us at ncbrainhealth@duke.edu or (919) 613-8633.
What's Normal Forgetfulness in Aging and What's Not?
Occasionally forgetting a name or where you left something may be part of normal aging. But if this happens frequently with other changes, like forgetting what day or
time of the year it is or having trouble talking with someone, it may be a sign of more serious memory problems. Learn about normal aging and the signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia in this National Institute on Aging article.
STUDIES FOR PEOPLE WITH NORMAL BRAIN AGING
Computer Training Study
Cholesterol Medication and Memory
Dance and Music Study
Dementia in African Americans
Emotion Research Study
Eyes and Memory Study
Gut and Brain Health Study
Memory and Aging Study
STUDIES FOR PEOPLE WITH MEMORY
PROBLEMS
Dementia in African Americans
Diet and Memory Study
Eye and Memory Study
STUDIES FOR
CAREGIVERS
Caregiver Study (online)
Call (919) 613-8633 or email NCBrainHealth@duke.edu to learn more.
WHERE TO FIND HELP
The NC Registry website contains a list of programs and services that support people with dementia and their caregivers, see some examples below. Connect with each organization to learn more about their programs and events at ncbrainhealth.org/resources/.
Alzheimer’s Association
Leading organization that provides information on Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
Website: ALZ.org
24/7 Helpline: (800) 272-3900
Dementia Alliance of North Carolina
Offers compassionate support to those who are living with or caring for individuals with dementia.
Website: DementiaNC.org
Phone: (919) 832-3732
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