What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

Medical science has found the answer to this question quite elusive. Apparently, there are both genetic and environmental factors involved. Genetics appears to carry a very strong role in what is termed early-onset Alzheimer’s (the dementia is clearly evident before the age of 60). The factors involved in dementia that appears at a later age are less clear-cut. Thus, the fact that a family member (a parent, for instance) is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s while in their 80’s, is NOT a strong indicator that that person’s child will also experience Alzheimer’s.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Basically, Alzheimer’s Disease causes progressive loss of brain function. For reasons yet unknown, the disease involves what are termed ‘tangles’ in the brain that eventually spread throughout the brain causing, at first, memory difficulties, personality changes and, at the end, loss of bodily control. Although it is not considered a “normal” part of aging, it appears to afflict approximately ½ of all individuals who reach the age of 85. That process is often referred to as “dementia” but it is also a fact that loss of brain function can be caused by other factors such as a stroke, for instance. 

Looking for a Nursing Home?

A good source for information and ratings on quality of care in the 17,000 Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes across the country can be found at http://www.medicare.gov/NursingHomeCompare.

Included are health inspection results and complaints with detailed and summary information about deficiencies found during the three most recent state inspections and recent complaint investigations.

Preventing Falls

No one likes to fall at any point in their life but avoiding falls is particularly important as we age. That is because our bones are more likely to break upon striking objects or the floor. A particularly common problem for older people is breaking their hips. That is a particularly ominous event because statistics make it very clear that this type of injury and subsequent surgery appears to shorten one’s life. What can you do?

Take a careful look on the floor where you live. Is the surface uneven? Do throw rugs slip? Are there cords on the floor or loose items that require you to avoid them? Remove all of these hazards.

Such hazards are not the same problem when we are younger because we have a better sense of balance and are more able to avoid such risks without falling.

You don’t have to take, however, the loss of balance as a given as you age. It is possible that through exercises, you can help your balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength. Exercise! Make it a regular course of your daily life to find opportunities to walk both in and out of your residence. Many people have also had success by practicing Tai Chi which focuses on slow and controlled movements which increase balance and prevent falls.

Further, a number of other factors can contribute to poor balance such as medications, poor vision, hearing, arthritis, depression, confusion and dizziness. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these conditions to see if adjustments and corrections can be made. 

Loneliness and Anti-Social Attitude Invites Dementia

We humans are social creatures by nature so common sense should tell us that the lack of social interaction can’t be good for us. Research proves it.

Loneliness and social isolation are factors that elevate the risk of a person developing dementia.

If such conditions are present in your life – or a loved one’s – action is needed. Look up old friends (they may feel the same way you do). Visit local community centers (is there a senior citizen gathering place nearby?). Volunteer. Helping others may be, after all, the best way to help yourself.

Exercise…for Your Brain

Public service announcements regularly proclaim that physical exercise is good for your heart.

And now there is research that it’s also good for brain functioning and keeps dementia “at bay”.

It’s long been thought that mental tasks and games are good -- “thinking” is also exercise. Physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain and beneficially (usually) increases the heart rate. Strength training (lifting weights & aerobics, for example) are included as desirable exercising.

To Stay Sharp, Watch Your Blood Pressure!

Sometimes the simplest of medical tests can be a life saver. A blood pressure test is standard for routine doctor visits and medical checkups. It seems so automatic and low tech. A cuff goes on your arm, air is pumped in, usually by hand, and the doctor or nurse gets a reading from a gauge being held or mounted on a wall.

But this reading can foretell whether you are at high risk for dementia. In fact, there’s no doubt that there is a high correlation between elevated blood pressure and the development of cognitive impairment.

If you are diagnosed with hypertension (a very common problem for older people), react with serious intent. Take your pills! Side effects are usually minor, if present at all. Retention of your wits is at stake!