Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Alzheimer’s/ Dementia
How many family members, friends do you know that are dealing with the effects of AlZ, Dementia?
Personal note- My Mother-89 and Aunt 92 both suffer from Dementia/ ALZ.- although both are at 2 stages of the disease. My Mother has a hard time remembering short term, is somewhat able to take care of herself(no driving), and my Aunt is in need of constant care, supervision .
Latest studies show that 1 person nearly every minute in the US is diagnosed with the disease.
According to AlzU.org developed by DR. Richard Isaacson a brilliant Neurologist (graduated from Med school at 23),practices at Cornell, and wrote the book A Patient and Family Guide-Alzheimer’s Treatment and Prevention Guide- There are Modifiable changes WE control, and Non-Modifiable, genetics and Age, that play their parts in delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s.
AlzU.org-An informative guide developed by Dr Isaacson and his team at Cornell explain that the early stages of Dementia, ALZ. start 20-30 years before a diagnosis and after the age of 80 one has a 50/50 chance of getting the disease.
What can we do to delay the process?
1.. Exercise – do 150-180min. of aerobic work/week which includes walking at a brisk pace, jogging, biking- etc.. Add 2 days of strength, or resistance training to the mix.
2. Nutrition- Dr. Isaacson, along with many others, recommend The Mediterranean Diet, include fish oils (omega 3’s) and Blue Berries to the mix. I personally like sardines packed in water and Salmon ( Alaska Only!) in lue of a supplement. Avoid sugar and un-needed carbohydrates. Sugar has been shown in many published studies to cause brain inflammation, so keep the carbs low and choose your carbs wisely.
3. Keep yourself mentally active- read a book, do crossword puzzles and challenge yourself in learning new skills. Keep the neuro fibers in the brain firing.
If you are 60+ or know of someone near and dear to you that is in early stages of ALZ., Dementia consult your family Doctor and a Neurologist may be needed. Genetics and Age are certainly determining factors, but if we all are at a 50% risk of getting the disease at 80 why not do everything you could to be on the better half, or at least delay onset of the disease.
The Drive podcast #18 features a fascinating conversation about ALZ/Dementia with Dr’s Peter Attia and Richard Isaacson-a must listen.
Live an Active Physical and Mental life- Be Bold Or Get Old