Addressing the "D" Word

[Michael Z]

As in Dementia. And many, including myself, fear this more than most any other affliction as it is a a one-way ticket to a nursing home. But how to prevent it?

According to US News, here are the tips:
Some healthy habits to incorporate to help reduce your risks of Alzheimer's and dementia include:

• Engage in mentally stimulating activities.
• Treat or manage metabolic conditions.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Be physically active.
• Maintain social connections.
• Prioritize quality sleep.
• Manage stress.
• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake.

I definitely think diet is very big. You are what you eat after all! And a "healthy" diet recommended is the MIND diet, which emphasizes foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fish while limiting butter, cheese, red meat, fried foods, and sweets. For sure, stick to whole foods and I would avoid vegetable oils and rather go with olive oil. And avoid those processed foods, especially snack foods, like poison.

I am convinced that physical activity plays a GREAT role. As we age, our circulation wanes. We have cold feet and hands due to poorer circulation, and also, a brain deprived of the blood flow of our youth. Getting that blood pumping (with medical supervision as needed) is valuable.

The other items, especially getting enough sleep (one way or another) along with stress reduction surely play an important role in our overall health, but by themselves I do not think they can fend off dementia. My Mom is a case in point - she got plenty of sleep and had very little stress. And even her diet was fairly good. But her physical activity dropped off. And I remember her first mental downfalls came during the long winter months when her physical activity was minimal.

And mentally stimulating activities and social connections surely can not hurt and I would guess they would be helpful.

 

[CallMeKate]

Great post, Michael. These are excellent tips for overall good health... but I'm not really convinced that they're deterrents for keeping dementia away. How would anyone know for sure? Not buying it, I'm afraid.

Bottom line for me: Although I've always heard that things like word games, crosswords, etc. are good for preventing dementia, I'd seriously like to see solid stats on that. I don't think accurate case studies would even be possible. An avid crossword puzzle enthusiast doesn't get dementia but how would anyone know that it was a factor? Or for that matter, the same person *does* get it. Most likely the next person who never did mentally stimulating things in their life makes it to 98 without dementia... Call me cynical, but...

I do think "keeping mentally active" is imperative for good mental health... just not sure about linking it with dementia.