Have you ever been concerned that you might become the victim of Alzheimer’s or dementia? I sometimes think about it when I turn around and forget in which direction I was headed for a moment. Then I think, “I don’t have time for this! I’ve got to stay healthy so I can see my grandchildren married and perhaps enjoy great-grandchildren someday!”
My friend Louise is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. She comes to our ladies’ gatherings, goes to church meetings, and never fails to vote on election day. Not that I’m overly concerned about how she’s voting. Lord knows she could be on her death bed and vote the right way! But recently I’ve noticed Louise repeating herself in conversations and forgetting important appointments. She told me that one time she didn’t know where she was while going down a road she’s traveled her whole life.
Louise has always been the best pastry cook in the group. Her extravagant desserts and breads, and savory meals, are truly to die for. She uses the finest of ingredients: white sugar, processed flour and real butter. Quite often I have been the recipient of her delicious creations. While researching causes and remedies for Alzheimer’s, I’ve noticed one area that pops up time and time again: diet.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s is the biological process that begins with the appearance of a buildup of proteins in the form of, among other things, plaques in the brain. This causes brain cells to die over time and the brain to shrink.
About 6.9 million people in the United States age 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s disease. As of yet, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. In advanced stages, loss of brain function can cause dehydration, poor nutrition or infection. These complications can result in death.
Hope springs eternal! Did you know that your diet could be your best defense against Alzheimer’s disease?
For decades, people have talked about “brain foods” as if they’re different from “body” foods. However, what’s good for your body — especially your heart — also happens to be good for your brain, says neurologist Jonathan Graff-Radford, M.D., Mayo Clinic.
“The heart and the brain have a similar vascular anatomy,” Dr. Graff-Radford says. When the blood vessels that supply the brain become narrowed or diseased, cells in the brain can die off. In addition, microscopic strokes can starve brain tissue of oxygen and nutrition. Though most people aren’t aware of them, these strokes can eventually cause enough damage to lead to the memory and thinking problems associated with dementia.
New research suggests intensive diet and lifestyle changes may not only forestall cognitive decline related to Alzheimer’s, but possibly bring some improvement to those in early stages. To protect your brain and blood vessels, exercise, stress management, sleep and social connections all matter. So do the foods you consume. This translates into a lifestyle of regular exercise, a diet rich in minimally processed foods with lots of fiber, stress mitigation, and good sleep. When it comes to dietary sugar, almost everyone benefits from avoiding added sugar in their diet, and from minimizing consumption of foods that rapidly convert into digestible sugar (think white bread, cookies, candies, etc.).
Diet, exercise, stress reduction/socialization intervention may work as well or better than some of the drugs used for Alzheimer’s disease. Please take note of these important facts:
· Dementia is not destiny: Nearly 45% of dementia cases are potentially preventable by managing 14 modifiable risk factors like hearing loss, vision and hypertension.
· Brain health is vascular health: Controlling the “triple threat”– blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes – is the most direct way to prevent the brain injury that leads to cognitive impairment.
I’ve talked with Louise about a possible lifestyle change and I’ve begun a discussion with her family. Louise cannot make these changes on her own. So, we are all starting today to gradually and lovingly help Louise to live a longer, happier and memorable rest of her life.
Need some help with that? For more information, contact Youthful Aging Home Care.
Lani Kelly is a research writer for Youthful Aging Home Care.
