World Alzheimer’s Prevention Day
Song ‘Young at Heart’ – Frank Sinatra ( The lyrics from this song are so beautiful and thought provoking I have included them below)
May 20th was World Alzheimer’s Prevention Day
Preventing and promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness is a passion of mine. One thing I have learnt through the few years of research on health issues is that the many health aspects that can reduce cardiovascular disease can also aid in reducing or preventing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia. Just like the adage – ‘What is good for the body is good for the brain.’
Specifically, diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Some examples include:
- A diet rich in antioxidants, omega 3 and whole grains is crucial.
- Regular daily exercise is important and just a short daily walk has great benefits for brain health.
- Reducing stress through social activities , meditation and exercise.
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
I have had first hand experience of the sadness, helplessness and desperation of seeing what happens when a loved one (my mother) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and the grief it brings to a family. (See my blog August 2024).
Many people believe Alzheimer’s is a genetic disease however, less than 1% of cases are caused by genetics.
I have previously promoted FOOD FOR THE BRAIN. I am now a citizen scientist and I have taken the FREE cognitive test. I have learnt that ageing doesn’t mean losing your memory . I have also learnt many strategies to minimise getting AD and even prevent AD.
As part of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Campaign you can take a free 3 minute check by going to www.ffb-upgradededcft.org/apc. I did the test and scored 11%. The aim is to score 0% so I still have to work on the area of Sleep &Calm to improve my score.
The link below contains a podcast THE AGELESS BRAIN with Patrick Holford and Dr Dale Bredesen. It has very detailed information on Alzheimer’s Prevention. There are also two books I recommend- Alzheimers: Prevention is the Cure by Patrict Holford and The Ageless Brain by Dr Dale Bredesen.
You can also go to foodforthebrain.org. to join and become a friend. The aim of this is to help you dementia- proof yourself through diet and lifestyle. As a friend you have access to regular information and updates, a library, webinars and home blood tests that gives you a Biological Dementia Risk Index. Plus much more!
I have reflected on why my mum may have developed Alzheimer’s Disease. With the knowledge I have now, I can see perhaps how I could have helped her to have a few more years without AD or not even developing this disease. Mum gave up all sport by 50. She stopped driving in her 50s, she rarely read and definitely didn’t learn any new skills. Dad had been doing the cooking, shopping and bill paying for many years. In fact, when my father passed away mum was 75 and she rejected socialising with all their friends. She had no interests of her own and never moved out of her comfort zone. She did continue to sew and crochet for a few more years but these were skills she learnt as a young girl.
Recently a new drug LECANEMAB has been approved for people with mild or early onset Alzheimer’s. This drug is NOT A CURE however, it has shown to slow decline in the early stages.
If you, like myself hope to live a long active, healthy life without Alzheimer’s Disease take the FREE 3 minute tests. Its easy! Perhaps then you will be inspired to delve deeper by also becoming a citizen scientist through FOOD FOR THE BRAIN.
And remember for now Prevention for Alzheimer’s Disease is the only cure.
Till next time – ‘Keep on Rocking and Rolling’
Kim