As we are caring for our parents, grandparents etc who have dementia Alzheimer's is anyone concerned for themselves and their future? Is it hereditary? Every time I forget a name I become more and more concerned. Is anyone trying to do certain things to prevent it?
I had this exact discussion with my DIL last yesterday! She's a Dr., so supposedly knows a lot--well, she knows a lot about anesthesiology, but not geriatric stuff!
Some things are hereditary and/or genetic. Some are random. I don't think there's one consensus on the mental decline thing. Why are some folks checked out at 50 and some are sharp as tacks into their 90's?
I'll read an article about this and then seems the next day I am reading something to totally refute what I just read.
I am personally terrified of Alz, Dementia and Parkinson's. Just---ridiculously scared.
I see my MIL and my mother, who are both 89 and just pretty checked out. I don't want to live any kind of life like they have. Nothing but one outing a week and endless loops of the HallMark channel. nobody really goes to see them, they've cut so many people out of their lives---is that going to be me??
You're going to laugh at this, but I read this tip and it works (I am the biggest skeptic in the world).
When you can't remember a name or title or something..take a few seconds and clench your fist really hard. Let it go and the word or whatever will pop into your mind in a minute. Seriously-so weird, yet it works.
Doubt this is staving off the inevitable decline, but it works for me. (And it's mostly good for things from our memory banks, not something really recent)
Worth a try!
Eat good fresh food with little processed, exercise/keep moving which may be as little as 15-20 mins walking a day but it all counts. Keep stress down which isn't easy at times, but music and creative activities help as well as good reading material, and of course, for me, faith. Use your mind for things like crossword puzzles, and computer games as well as good conversation. Get enough sleep and relaxation time. Do something different once in a while like taking a trip. I am an introvert so am not great on social activities, but do get out with dd and grandkids once in a while. I work at being friendly with the delivery people, store clerks etc. for some social interaction,
Am I afraid of getting dementia? No. The best I can do is work on my lifestyle and I am doing what I can, not perfectly at all, but as I am able. Be sure you do and have things you enjoy. Value and look after yourself. Caregiving is extremely stressful.
Alzheimers is hereditary. My grandmother, her sister, sisters daughter, my Aunt and Uncle out of 8 children. Some of the children died before 70 so not sure if they would have had it.