Cathy Dobson Concerned you might be losing your mental agility, or that it might be something serious? Studies show that learning a new language or mastering a musical instrument is the best way to challenge the brain and ward off diseases like Alzhe
Cathy Dobson
Concerned you might be losing your mental agility, or that it might be something serious?
Studies show that learning a new language or mastering a musical instrument is the best way to challenge the brain and ward off diseases like Alzheimer’s.
In fact, there are many tricks and lifestyle changes that contribute to brain health; some more obvious than others, says Christine Wright, education co-ordinator with the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia Lambton.
Alzheimer’s is one of several forms of dementia, which affects one in 11 Canadians over the age of 65. In Sarnia-Lambton, about 2,800 people 65 years and older are living with the disease. As baby boomers age those numbers are expected to rise.
Advancing age, being female and having a family history increase the risk.
“But it’s not a normal part of aging,” said Wright. “There’s growing evidence that you can reduce the risk factors by challenging the brain and being physically active.
“Absolutely the best thing you can do for the brain is to exercise both it and your body.”
The earlier you start, the more likely you are to avoid Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, she said.
Wright spoke recently at a public workshop attended by about 50 people at Fairwinds Lodge and hosted by VHA Home Healthcare.
She and VHA’s Lynne Hanemaayer offered the following tips to beat Alzheimer’s:
Get out of your routine and challenge your brain to new things.
Other than learning a new language or playing an instrument, challenges can be simpler such as using your left hand for tasks if you are right-handed, and vice versa.
Watch what prescription and over-the-counter meds you take. Gravol, for instance, affects cognition.
Play games such as Scrabble or bridge. The more social, the better.
Maintain dental health. Gum inflammation can impact the brain.
Get enough sleep.
Be physically active.
Wright recommended a diet rich in dark-coloured vegetables, fruits and nuts. Ingesting less salt and fat also contributes to brain health, she said.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the presence of Amyloid plaques and tangles that get in the way of the brain’s neurons and stop them from communicating with one another. An autopsy is needed to confirm Alzheimer’s, said Wright. But doctors are now using scans, such as MRIs, for diagnoses that are about 90% accurate.
She and Hanemaayer stressed there is a big difference between the normal aging process and dementia. For instance, forgetting where you put your keys is normal. Forgetting how to use them is not. Forgetting a name is normal but not recognizing someone you know is not.
“We all walk into a room and can’t remember what we are there for,” Wright said. “That doesn’t mean you’re getting Alzheimer’s.”
More information about the causes, early diagnosis, warning signs and reducing risk is available from the local Alzheimer Society by calling 519-332-4444 or by visiting www.alzheimer.ca/sarnialambton.
The next Sarnia Speaks at the library auditorium on Dec. 8 will focus on dementia. This is a free event that starts at 6:30 p.m.
