Moving Toward Better Brain Health
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer
There is a moment many families never forget.
For me, that moment happened in our family room. Three generations of women stood there together. My mother-in-law was trying to figure out who Leah was. Looking directly into her Nana’s eyes, Leah softly said, “Nana, it’s me — Leah, your granddaughter.” The confusion in Nana’s eyes as she scanned for clarity. In that moment, I was reminded how precious our minds — and our memories — truly are.
For others, it may be a loved one repeating the same story several times in one afternoon. Maybe it is getting lost on a familiar drive or struggling to find the right words in conversation. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease rarely arrive all at once — they quietly enter through small moments that slowly become impossible to ignore.
In Charlotte County and across the country, more families are walking this difficult road every day. While researchers continue searching for better treatments and cures, there is also encouraging news: growing research shows healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce the risk or delay the onset of cognitive decline.
During our years caring for Nana, I made it a personal mission to better understand how daily choices can impact long-term brain health — not only to live longer, but to live healthier and more independently for as long as possible.
An article from a group I follow, the Food for the Brain Foundation, “25 Daily Habits to Reduce Dementia Risk”, highlights something surprisingly simple: many habits that support heart health also support brain health.
Movement matters. Walking, strength training, dancing, yoga, or simply staying active can improve blood flow to the brain and help protect memory and cognitive function as we age.
What we eat matters too. Experts recommend diets rich in leafy greens, berries, healthy fats, fish, nuts, and whole foods while limiting processed foods and excess sugar. Quality sleep, stress management, social connection, and continuing to learn new things also play important roles in maintaining brain health.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked forms of prevention is connection.
Isolation and loneliness can significantly impact both emotional and cognitive well-being, especially for older adults. Friendships, volunteering, group activities, and community involvement help keep both the mind and spirit engaged. Sometimes something as simple as moving your body alongside others, sharing a laugh, or trying something new can become part of a healthier future.
That is one reason Women United of Charlotte County is excited to host the upcoming Move It Mixer — an opportunity for women in our community to connect, move, and focus on wellness in a fun and welcoming environment. Whether you are looking to prioritize your health, meet new friends, or simply take a positive step for yourself, this event encourages movement while building meaningful connection.
Because brain health is not only about prevention — it is about quality of life.
It is never too early or too late to start taking steps toward better health. A short walk. A healthy meal. More sleep. Calling a friend. Joining a community event. Small choices, made consistently over time, can have a powerful impact.
Memories are some of life’s greatest treasures — the laughter at family dinners, childhood milestones, holiday traditions, and the people who shape our lives. Caring for our minds and bodies today may help protect those precious memories for as long as possible.
To learn more about reducing dementia risk or opportunities for social connection, please visit https://www.unitedwayccfl.org/brainhealth
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.