Tag Archives: preventing dementia

Can We Grow Old Without Getting Dementia?

Can we grow old without getting dementia? If you’re a #caregiver bearing witness to #dementia, the prospect of getting older may fill you with fear. Watching my mother’s struggle, I wonder if I can live a long life without losing my mind. Researchers around the world have been doing studies on very old people living healthy lives. Their habits can teach us something.

Can We Grow Old Without Getting Dementia

Current life expectancy in the U. S. is 78.6 years according to the National Center for Health Statistics.  Studies in Scandinavia, Australia, and Italy have examined the health traits of people in the 90 to 100 year age bracket. Their findings suggest that it’s possible to reach advanced age without developing #dementia.

Aging around the world

A Swedish study looked at a group of 100 people who reached the age of 100 or above. Among those 100 or older, only 27% of the group had problems with memory or word lists. Personality assessments also showed that people in this group were “more responsible, capable, easygoing and less prone to anxiety” than the general population in general. Most were also blessed with a strong physical constitution and few were plagued by high blood pressure.

The Italian research project focused on Acciaroli, in Southern Italy. This town is home to a very high number of centenarians. Town residents over the age of 100 showed low levels of a hormone called adrenomedullin. Adrenomedullin slows circulation which can lead to serious diseases such as heart problems. The 100 year-olds of Acciaroli had adrenomedullin levels similar to people in their 20s and 30s. The study looked at the diet of Acciaroli elders and found they consumed lots of local fish, game, rosemary, and olive oil. Their recipe for long life incorporated another special ingredient: romance! One researcher, Dr. Maisel, observed that, “Sexual activity among the elderly appears to be rampant.”

The RDNS Institute which assists over 100,000 Australian elders, reviewed the health records of more than one thousand people aged 95 and older. Although the group showed some evidence of chronic illnesses, one researcher noted, “They seem to be able to manage better.” One amazing statistic is that among those who reached age 100 years, their need for home visits actually declined! As with the other groups, researchers emphasize that, “Good genetics are important, and so are good habits regarding food and drink.” The Australian group also seemed to manage the stress of life more easily than most people. One participant said, “I sort of don’t worry about things too much.”

Are fewer people Getting dementia?

Finally, a comprehensive study conducted by Qiu, Chengxuan and Fratiglioni, Laura examined data on dementia around the world. They found that dementia development rates are declining in many parts of the world, including North America.  Studies of large populations also showed that among those over the age of 100 “male centenarians are more likely to be cognitively intact than their female contemporaries.” In a British study of 11,000 people aged 100 or older dementia was recorded in only 11% of people.

What does it mean for us?

Obviously, we should not all expect to live into our 90’s. Genetics, health habits, and access to care have a tremendous impact on the extent of our life span. But even if I could get old without getting #dementia, I’m not sure I want to live into my nineties. I’ve met a lot of people who have celebrated their 90th and 100th birthdays. Those who have outlived their loved ones don’t seem to enjoy the benefits of their longevity. The really lucky elders are those who are still closely attached to their families in old age — and that seems to be a rare thing. My current plan is to keep eating lots of greens and olive oil, get daily exercise, and keep a little romance going at all times. Because if I do eventually lose my mind, I’d like to do it with a smile on my face that makes the nurses wonder why I’m so happy.

Staving Off Dementia: A success story

When someone gets a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), they can slide into despair, believing that dementia is their destiny. But we now know more about factors that promote brain disease — and practices that can protect us from it. This week I spoke to a valiant woman who’s decided to fight back.

Between the Pond and the Woods -- Fighting Dementia

I won’t state her full name, but Kay is the name I’m using for the amazing person I just interviewed. She carries a cane, but doesn’t use it much. The words that come out of her mouth are just twisted enough to make you guess something might be wrong. Her eyes sparkle despite the fact that she’s received two gamma knife treatments — at the maximum radiation level. Kay displays insight and passion that many healthy people lack.

Kay has a diagnosis of MCI and a condition called a degenerative cerebellum.  I’d never heard of this disease before. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders says symptoms may include “a wide-based, unsteady, lurching walk, often accompanied by a back and forth tremor in the trunk of the body” as well as “slowed and slurred speech”.

But I’m not writing to explain her neurological problems. I want you get inspired by her story. Instead of letting the symptoms take over, Kay has developed a lifestyle that she calls “very busy”. I met her during rehearsal for a choir performance. Kay joined the choir because her doctors suggested that musical activity might help address the disease symptoms. She also learned that socialization is an important disease fighting strategy. The choir helps her connect with others.

During choir practices, Kay has learned to read music. She believes that the musical training has helped her project her voice better and pronounce words more clearly. But she wasn’t willing to stop at just those benefits. Kay decided to learn to play music, too. At first, her third and fifth fingers ignored efforts to push them down. But now they both respond.

Kay says her doctors believe that the musical training is helping her to “postpone the inevitable.” Her symptoms have declined and she says that music has helped her “create new pathways” in her brain. In addition to her musical activities, Kay follows a rigorous diet. She eats few carbs, no sugar and no red meat. She’s in her sixties, but I would have guessed that she’s ten years younger.

Her example is a good antidote for people worried about inheriting the Alzheimer’s gene. It’s also instructive for anyone who has experienced brain trauma through injury or stroke. If we have one of these problems, we could fret about what will happen to us in the future. We could sit back and wait. But we also have the option of doing what Kay does: taking a proactive approach to our health.

I’m the first one to be lazy about diet. I crave chocolate and I love the second glass of wine. Cholesterol is a problem I don’t want to face. But I looked at this woman and was so impressed at how hard she works to live well. Kay believes she can “postpone the inevitable ’til the very end.” Would you fight that hard? Could you be that committed? What would it take to make you answer yes?