JOAN’S BLOG – WED./THUR., FEBRUARY 23/24, 2011 – THE LATEST SURE FIRE METHODS FOR PREVENTING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE (Dosed with sarcasm and humor)

Once in awhile, in the midst of the stress, tension, and sadness of our lives as Alzheimer Spouses, I like to inject a bit of humor. Without my sense of humor, I would not have been able to come as far on this journey as I have. I invite you to join me in a tongue-in-cheek examination into the latest research on how we can prevent falling victim to the disease that has devastated our spouses.

They just keep coming. Article after article, research after research, suggesting, implying, and sometimes, lecturing us that Alzheimer’s Disease can be prevented if we follow simple healthy lifestyle guidelines. I am guessing that some of the authors of these articles have received a lot of heat from people like you and me, admonishing them for using the word PREVENTION when discussing Alzheimer’s Disease, because in more recent articles, the word DELAY has been used in conjunction with PREVENTION. I have no argument with those who suggest “delay” may be possible. My argument, as you are aware, if you follow my blogs, is with the word “prevention”. You cannot imagine the berating I have received from people who disagree with my premise that Alzheimer’s Disease cannot be prevented, no matter what life style you follow.

In any case, I have consolidated all of the latest information for you, so you may be as enlightened as the researchers and journalists. You will not suffer the fate of your spouse if you follow these simple mental, physical, and dietary guidelines:

After getting at least 8 solid, peaceful hours of sleep, floss and brush your teeth to prevent bacteria from seeping into your brain. Take your long legs for a brisk 30 minute walk (points taken off for short legs, which research has determined are a negative factor in preventing AD). On at least five days, go to the gym after your walk, and do 30-60 minutes of strength training.

While you are exercising, plug in those ear buds, and listen to a tutorial for learning another language, or two, or three. Research “suggests” that being bi-lingual (tri- lingual is even better) keeps those neurons in our brain active enough to prevent AD. Do not forget the helmet while exercising. Protecting your brain from injury is considered paramount in preventing AD.

On one or two of the days you are not strength training or walking, try yoga or meditation to reduce your stress, which research “suggests” is a contributing factor to the onset of AD.

Now that you are well rested, pumped up, and stress free, it is time for a healthy lunch of omega-3 filled fresh water fish, a salad of various multi hued greens, nuts, fat free dressing, accompanied by a glass of red wine and oolong tea, and topped off with a small piece of dark chocolate. All considered essential in preventing AD.

Now for your afternoon of brain stimulation. Crossword puzzles are good, but memorization and brain teasers are better, so start memorizing the State Capitals and scour the stores and Internet for challenging brain games.

Do not get too comfortable with those puzzles and brain teasers. You need to get out and SOCIALIZE. The more activities you participate in with friends, the better your brain health. So says the research.

You have the formula. What is stopping you from following it? In between your 24/7 caregiving duties, sleepless nights, stress filled days and nights, physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, driving to doctor appointments, nursing, cleaning, cooking, and changing sheets,  grab that helmet and bicycle yourself to the gym. Come home and make a healthy, Mediterranean meal, learn Chinese, memorize the dictionary, invite friends over for a game of bridge, and be in bed by 9 PM after yoga exercises and meditation. Simple. What are you waiting for?

Your pictorial prescription for Alzheimer’s prevention is below. Put it up on your refrigerator to remind you of the simple steps that will keep you from developing AD.

                                      
And finally, since according to all of the research, advancing age is the highest factor for Alzheimer’s Disease, I conclude that the best way to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease must be to DIE YOUNG. Which research suggests we are going to do anyway because of the stress in caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Feedback to joan@thealzheimerspouse.com

©Copyright 2011 Joan Gershman 
The Alzheimer Spouse LLC
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