I can’t find my phone…again… And I think I left it on silent. If I had a penny for every time I have misplaced my phone or my keys, I would be a wealthy woman.
I can amusingly share with my friends our commonality of losing things as we age. But I think the laughter masks a niggling fear. What would I do if I started getting senile, or if my daily functioning became drastically impaired? It’s horrific to consider. And it is made all the more menacing when I exhibit forgetfulness or other troubling declines. Could it mean I have dementia?
Dementia is a blanket term used for various diseases, injuries, and neurochemical imbalances affecting memory and care abilities. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, making up to 60-80% of all dementia cases.
Alzheimer’s is a condition that particularly affects millions of older people- some 5.8 million people in the US aged 65 and up have Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
(https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/Alz-Greater-Risk.html#:~:text=Current%20estimates%20are%20that%20about,65%20with20%younger-onset%20%Alzheimer’s.
Symptoms range from forgetfulness and declining social skills, to thinking so impaired it interferes with daily functioning (and necessitates long-term care). Women get Alzheimer’s more than men. There is increased risk for Alzheimer’s as one ages. Family history/health issues such as high blood pressure or head injuries raise your likelihood for it too.
All hope is not lost- I found some ways a person can battle the Big D. There is a Jan 15, 2021 article by Novos that spells out proactive steps: (https://novolabs.com/14-tips-to-reduce-your-risk-of-dementia-and-alzheimers.
1. Diet can improve brain health. (Why is it always diet?!?) Blue and red fruits, herbs, green leafy veggies, omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil, some tea/coffee, reduced sugar and starch are all dietary steps that can combat dementia.
2. Exercise is crucial. (Why is it always exercise too?!?) Exercise releases all kinds of healthy substances to the brain.
3. Medical check-ups can reduce or prevent high-blood pressure, diabetes, or hypertension for instance. All these conditions impact brain health.
4. Managing drugs such as antihistamines or antidepressants can decrease the risk for dementia.
5. Be social– it is healthy for your brain.
6. Relax or meditate to combat stress.
7. Do not hit your head. Be careful- injuries can increase dementia risk.
8. Sufficient sleep is vital to brain health.
9. Take nutrients for your brain. B vitamin complex, zinc, and vitamin D are all good for the brain. There are supplements you can take to slow down the actual aging process as well (e.g. glycine and fisetin).
10. Improve your gut. Surprisingly gut health is closely connected to your brain. Ditch the unhealthy foods- you know which ones they are. (Again I ask, why is it always diet?)
11. Challenge your brain. Read, do puzzles or games, learn a new language, tackle hobbies, take up an instrument, volunteer… There are endless options.
12. Stop smoking.
13. Be happy/avoid stress. Release those endorphins! Be grateful and forgiving. Let go and do not control. Don’t compare yourself to others. Be giving. All of these and many more are “happy” choices that are brain-healthy too.
Most of these tips are common sense and positive things people of all ages can do. But especially for us retirees, using these tips can help in battling the Big D!
Now by the way, where did I put my keys?
