Prevent or Delay Alzheimer's DiseaseWritten by Phyllis Staff, Ph.D.
Argh! Where are my glasses? I put them down . . . to do what? And when?As daughter of an Alzheimer's patient, this inability to keep up with everyday items, like my glasses and car keys, drives me absolutely nuts! Absent-mindedness has always plagued me. Now, it keeps me anxious and guessing. Is this an early sign of Alzheimer's disease? Could I end up like my father, crippled with this disease? I decided to stop worrying about it and act! I searched latest literature to see what techniques (no prescriptions, thank you!) could prevent or delay onset of Alzheimer's disease. Here are some of things I found. Diet Counts! Vitamin E Diets rich in vitamin E and essential oils may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. A study recently reported in Archives of Neurology (2002) found that participants, aged 65-102, who ate fish at least once each week showed 36% less decline in cognitive functioning over study's three+ years. Similar results have been found in Rotterdam Study, a study tracking over 9000 participants. Those researchers found that participants who ate fish most often were only one-third as likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease as those who ate fish least often. These studies provide compelling reasons to add at least one meal of fish to your diet every week. What other foods should you include? Olive oil is an especially valuable source of vitamin E and other anti-oxidants. I prefer extra virgin variety of olive oil for its milder taste. With a squeeze of fresh lime juice, olive oil makes a very pleasant salad dressing. And I've discovered that more I use it, more I like it. B Vitamins B vitamins, particularly folic acid and vitamin B-12, help prevent Alzheimer's as well as a host of other diseases such as heart disease and stroke. A study from National Institute on Aging found that mice fed a diet rich in folic acid were able to repair damage to DNA of nerve cells in hippocampus (an area needed for memory and learning). Foods rich in B vitamins whole grains, yeast, meat, low-fat dairy products, lentils and leafy greens. Can't I just take a pill? B vitamins may not be readily absorbable from pills. Certainly, supplement pills are better than nothing, but for good absorption by body, vitamin B shots may be preferable. Vitamin E and fish oil capsules are readily absorbed, so they should help. Check with your doctor or a nutritionist for correct dosages. Substituting Soy for Dairy products Soy may have protective properties and is a good source of B vitamins. I've known for years that ice cream gives me a stomach-ache. The problem is that I'm an ice cream junkie, a dairy products junkie, for that matter. I never met an aged cheddar cheese I didn't like. So I was very surprised to find that I actually prefer soy-based milk and ice creams to their dairy counterparts. I haven't tried soy-based cheeses yet. If you have, or if you've tried other soy substitutes, let me know what you think.
| | Stealing LivesWritten by Virginia Ramage Smith
Like a sneak thief, Alzheimer’s disease comes quietly. Although it steals only a tiny bit at a time, it invades relentlessly. Gradually, victim’s losses -- memory, self-awareness, dignity -- become visible to world. The losses of spouse and family are almost invisible. These may be cruelest of all because these victims are fully aware. Now that ravages of Alzheimer’s disease are so obvious in my husband Fred, I am continuously reminded of my own losses as well as his. Dear friends inquire often about Fred’s condition, often expressing their dismay at what he has lost, at disintegration of someone so involved in living. But, while they express concern for my health and my ability to meet his current needs, they never ask what I have lost. I’d like them to understand. Conversation During busy period of our marriage, mealtime was highlight of my day. Fred worked long hours as an aeronautical engineer, my days were full as a mother, student, homemaker, but at mealtimes we had time to talk, to discuss our needs and expectations. It was usually a time we exchanged ideas or perhaps plans for next day. Now, mealtime is quiet because conversation has disappeared. There are no ideas to ponder, no plans to make, no opinions about politics, or neighbors. Good conversation was so ever present at our home that I took it for granted. Losing it has been painful. Decision Making I have also lost a partner in decision-making. There were always big decisions – what house to buy, when to buy a new care, where to invest money, and where Phyllis should go to college. But little decisions -- what to have for supper, what movie we would see – these were everyday decisions that made day go well. Fred did not really care how we arranged furniture or what flowers we planted outside, but he would offer opinions when asked. He would help if I needed it. Now, I must make every decision alone. I miss his voice deeply. Travel From beginning of our life together, we agreed completely on joy of traveling. For first years there was no money for long or expensive trips, but we found ways to enjoy weekend jaunts and brief visits with our families. In time, we were able to save for specific targets – to Europe, cruises to Caribbean area, even to Orient – and there was always a plan in waiting for next time. Now, for past ten years, there have been no trips more than 30 miles from home. There are no plans in future, and that is a great loss.
|
