Florida Hospital Flagler Educates Community on Memory Loss and Aging

PALM COAST, Fla. March 20, 2018 On March 16, Florida Hospital Flagler family medicine physician Dr. Sharrell Cooper spoke about the impact aging can have on memory during the City of Palm Coasts Lunch n Learn Senior Series.

Cognitive change is a normal process of aging. Some cognitive functions, such as vocabulary, are usually retained, while others, such as processing speed, may decline, Cooper said during the event. This is different from mild cognitive impairment, which is the intermediate stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging, and the more-serious decline of dementia, a progressive decline in memory which impairs daily functioning.

According to the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, lowering blood pressure may reduce the risk of developing both post-stroke dementia, as well as late-life dementia.

There are some lifestyle choices we can make to help prevent memory loss associated with aging, Cooper said. Foods rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids may be protective for both the heart and the brain. Staying adequately hydrated with water and limiting alcoholic consumption is key. In addition, staying mentally active with activities such as puzzles, discussion groups, reading, playing cards or board games, or a musical instrument can help too.

More than 100 community members attended the City of Palm Coasts Lunch n Learn Senior Series, sponsored by Florida Hospital Flagler.

About Florida Hospital Flagler

Florida Hospital Flagler is a member of Adventist Health System, a faith-based health care organization with 45 hospital campuses and 8,200 licensed beds in nine states, serving more than 5 million patients annually. With a mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ, Florida Hospital Flagler has 99-beds and is one of the seven Florida Hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties that composes the Florida Hospital Central Florida Division - North Region. As the largest hospital system in the area, the Florida Hospital Central Florida Division - North Region has 1,226 beds and more than 7,800 employees.