Now that we are faced by the reality that both our parents have suffered memory loss (Dad’s seems to have been vascular related dementia, whereas Mum’s appears to be Alzeimer’s, though really, it is six of one and half a dozen of the other, as they say – no difference) we really can’t pretend that we are not in the firing line for the same susceptibility to memory loss.
My sister, being eight years older than I, is a little more worried (freaked out!) than I, but I have to admit that it is occupying my thoughts a little more than it did a few weeks ago. Especially after every visit to Mum and seeing how she now has such a struggle handling every day life.
I have even fallen for purchasing a book, 100 simple things to prevent Alzheimer’s, or something similarly titled. Of course the majority of the top 100 were things we should all be doing for a healthy life, such as exercise, healthy diet, maintain relationships.
A couple suggestions I had read before, such as eating curry. Mr FD and I have often wondered about the curry link, as Mr FD’s father, who died at the age of 93, having been born in Ceylon, was a devotee of a good curry and ate it on a regular basis, and his mind was relatively clear until the final year. He also did crosswords and was widely read, all things that help maintain the brain.
One suggestion was to eat cinnamon as it assists with maintaining insulin levels. The recommendation was one half to one teaspoon a day! That is a huge amount of cinnamon in anyone’s estimation. I don’t think I would ever achieve that one!
A more insidious suggested cause is stress. Now that is the hard one. I try to meditate from time to time, especially when stressed or ill, but I was crafted anxious in the womb, and though I have come to recognise my triggers and worked hard to overcome them over the years, I doubt if there has ever been too many days without my being aware of feelings of stress. Now I get to be stressed about my stress causing me dementia!
I guess, this is even more motivation to stick to my 2012 resolutions, so that I can live a good life now, and for as long as I can, and maybe keep my gorgeous brain functioning to the best of its abilities for as long as possible.
Travelling the long goodbye with a parent, again, not only makes me aware of my own biological clock ticking, but also acts as a reminder to live in the moment, for the moment is all we really have.
I too have those fears, my grandma on fathers side has alzheimers/dimensia/sun downer problems and dad has been the only one to help her out.
I feel like I get the crappy genes from his side, gallbladder problems, obesity, short tempers!
I keep telling my boyfriend he’s going to have to deal with me like that in a few years!
heavens, I will be at the mercy of Mr FD!
Almost all of the articles I’ve read on Alzheimer’s have been gloomy. Brain exercises don’t help, nor does learning new skills. A drug trial is about to start for an Alzheimer’s vaccine, which does hold out some hope: otherwise, there’s no cure for the disease once it starts. Vascular dementia can be delayed by staying physically active and eating a low-fat, low-sodium diet: apparently, if your family has a history of stroke, you’re more in danger of this sort of dementia than Alzheimer’s. That’s what I was told by my doctor, anyway. I have both forms going in my family tree however, so I’ve been double-whammied.
One thing about the curry: turmeric is supposed to help prevent dementia. That said, my older daughter’s Indian in-laws are grappling with a grandmother who appears to be in the throes of the disease. One side of the family however thinks the old woman may be suffering from schizophrenia, which was hidden from outsiders for years. It’s so hard to say: certainly my parents both have dementia, but they were always difficult, eccentric people. Looking after them is hard primarily because they are so bleeping uncooperative. I knew they would be, but why I agreed to look after them leaves some questions about my own sanity, lol.
I do agree with you—living in the moment is the best we have, at least until the medical community comes up with a vaccination or a cure. I won’t take up smoking or carousing all night, however. I don’t have the energy or the money!
My sister is of the opinion that people who are bitter and angry throughout their life and our mother has always been bitter about things that no one could have changed, and Dad was often an angry man (though in his case alcohol would have killed many grey cells!) so she thinks that if she cultivates a peaceful and accepting nature then things will be better for her. One can only hope.
Of course as we all live longer, then dementia is going to be more prevalent.
Indeed. My Grand Father on my Dad’s side had Dementia and my Grandmother on my Moms side had alzeheimers. So I figure I’m pretty much done for. The scary thing is that BOTH of them were well read individuals who stayed active with family and volunteering. So I just keep hoping for the best…
There really seems to be no reason to it. As I mentioned to Hangaku Gozen, as we live longer I guess it is only natural that more of us are going to develop dementia, but it is so cruel. Cruel to the victim, and in many ways more cruel to those left to watch and grieve.
My maternal grandmother had dementia.
My aunt (her daughter) had dementia.
My mother had dementia.
My sisters are scared.
I know exactly how they are feeling. Hopefully they will find a pill for it, soon!
On both sides my grandparents have been very healthy and very quick-witted until their dying day. Well, at least my great grandparents. (Both sets of grandparents are still alive.) My maternal grandma’s mom was independent until she died at 96. My other great grandmother just turned ninety and she’s smart. She doesn’t look her age. I love her very much.
My great grandpa’s both died before I was born, but all of them never had dementia or Alzheimer’s. Though I’m starting to worry about my Grandpa. :/ I’m thinking that has more to do with his heart, and his brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. (So like little seizures?) Doctors can’t figure it out, but apparently I’m smarter than they are. XD He reads textbooks for fun. Extremely smart. So I’ve never worried about it, but there is always that risk–especially since I’ve had a few health problems–like insulin resistance–that could affect things like that.
I think I'll go buy some now and see if it helps. Thanks for the tip! (And sorry for the novel length comment. I dedicate it to you.)
Really, cinnamon helps blood sugar stabilize? Because I tell you what, I cannot get mine to level out. >.< I think you can get them in pill form if you wanted to try it out.