Feds launch brain health campaign at Las Vegas expo

Las Vegas became one of the first host cities on Saturday to launch the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' campaign, "What is Brain Health?"

More than 15,000 people flocked to the Successful Aging Expo at Cashman Center to find out about finances, health and nutrition, and more.

The second annual event presented by the Las Vegas Review-Journal boasted more than 120 information booths, vendors, health screenings and live entertainment.

Attendees who visited the Brain Health booth were given insight into how the brain changes as it ages and what they should be doing to keep it sharp.

Jane Tilly, the Brain Health and Dementia policy lead at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said Las Vegas was a target market for the campaign because more than 220,000 residents of Clark County are over the age of 65. St. Louis was the second city to host the campaign.

"People always think about their physical health but it's important to think about your brain health too and minimize the risk as you age," she said. "Brain health is just as important as physical health and planning for retirement."

Eating healthy, exercising, getting at least seven hours of sleep a night and visiting the doctor can not only help your physical health but your brain health as well, she said.

In addition, Tilly said staying connected with friends and family, volunteering and learning new things will benefit your brain.

"Volunteering at schools or local organizations allows you to contribute while having fun and helping yourself, too," she said. "Do something you enjoy."

Sun City resident Donna Pfeffer, 70, knows all too well the importance of a healthy brain as her mother suffered from dementia and her older sister was just diagnosed as well.

"It's a big red flag for me," she said. "I know how difficult it is."

Pfeffer said she and her husband, Ron, eat healthy, exercise and read often. She's also learning a second language.

"It's important to stay active and socially connected," she said. "In Sun City there are so many activities, so if you're not active, it's your fault."

Nancy Bumstead, 77, of Las Vegas agreed with Pfeffer that staying active is key.

She swims, reads, eats healthy and participates in community activities.

"I do anything and everything I can do to keep my brain healthy," she said. "I'm always telling others about activities and keeping active myself."

For Deborah Monroe, though she's been retired for the last three years, her schedule is as chock-full as it was when she was working full time at the Aria.

The 76-year-old Las Vegas resident volunteers and participates in activities at the West Flamingo Senior Center.

"I eat properly, which is easy for me because I always have, and I participate in as much as I can," she said. "Keeping the body and brain active will hopefully ward off Alzheimer's."

Alzheimer's disease, or dementia, is a progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and cognitive skills.

As she ages, Monroe said she'll continue to stay involved and keep her schedule full. She advises other seniors to do the same.

"Try not to slow down but also know your restrictions," she said. "Don't do more than you can."

Tilly said it's never too early to start focusing on brain health.

"I'm hoping seniors talk with their children and friends because we want brain health to be taken care of at every age," she said. "There are no guarantees that what you're doing will work but you can minimize your risk."

For more information on the "What is Brain Health?" campaign, visit brainhealth.gov.

Marthe Winner, marketing director for the Review-Journal, said the aging expo will be held each October.

"We had an amazing attendance and it was a smashing success," Winner said. "This event is really important because it serves a need in this community for people over 50 and gives them information on aging healthfully. It's a great community event and they walk away with a wealth of information."

Contact Ann Friedman at afriedman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588. Find her on Twitter: @AnnFriedmanRJ.