| |
Family
Living
Healthy
Live Style
Keeping
Your Brain Active and Happy
Bad News: The risk of Alzheimer's and other forms
of dementia rises with age. At age 70, about 3% of all individuals
will be affected byAlzheimer's and at age 85 between 20 and 30%
will be affected. We do not yet have a clear understanding regarding
the interplay of genetics and live style behaviors but we are sure
a healthy live style helps.
Good News: Chronic disability and mental impairment
among older Americans has been declining since 1980. "The older
you get the healthier you have been."
Good News: There are known steps we can take to
help reduce the possibility that we will be affected by Alzheimer's.
(Adapted from the Alzheimer's Association web page)
- Manage your numbers. Lower your blood pressure,
cholesterol, blood sugar and body weight to stay healthy as you
age. Untreated high blood pessure over the years increases the
risk of cognitive decline, Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
- Exercise your body and brain. Work out, take
a class, converse, read, take on new challenges, or work on crossword
puzzles.
- Feed your brain. Take a multivitamin that includes
folic acit, vitamins E and C, and eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty
acids. Good nutrition over a livetime and particularly during
later life may help ward off Alzheimer's.
Listed below are some additional sources for information.
Alzheimer's Information Site: www.alzinfo.org
Alzheimer's Association: www.alz.org
Publication from the Hospice Foundation of America:
Living with Grief: Alzheimer's Disease, 2004. (Call our office
for ordering information)
|
|
|
|
