This is probably the disease we fear as much as cancer.
The reason to write this post is to encourage early diagnosis and taking steps to try and manage it.
The statistics are staggering. What is even more staggering is the rapid rise in diagnosis. It is projected by 2060, 14 million people will be carrying this diagnosis. Currently, one out of 9 people in the US are diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Black and Hispanics are at greater risk, and women carry a higher risk of this cruel disease. Over 85 years of age 36% of Americans carry this diagnosis.
Memory loss is normal, to some degree as we age. But in a recent discussion with a Gerontologist, he encourages people to pay attention to early memory loss. He states that too many people wait too long to seek medical care. Early diagnosis is essential.
There are other things that can mask Alzheimer's and possibly confuse the diagnosis. A thorough exam, imaging, lab work, etc. needs to be done. Lifestyle is a huge part of the history. What you really need is a doctor that will talk to you with patience, understanding and guidance.
How often do you misplace things, forget conversations, repeat statements and questions over and over again,
plus get lost in places you were familiar with at one time.
How healthy are you?
Double check the following lifestyle habits: physically inactive? unhealthy diet? smoking? high blood pressure? high cholesterol? poorly managed type 2 diabetes? alcohol misuse? Poor sleep? SOCIAL ISOLATION! It you are not stimulated by conversations with others, you isolate. Lack of mental stimulation, ie reading, lectures, documentaries, etc. Are you hard of hearing and ignoring it? All these things can lead to cognitive decline.
Other things that put you at risk: Diets high in saturated fats, low dietary protein, and too much alcohol which kills brain cells.
In my previous post on plastics, some facts were shared. A carotid artery is approximately 6.5 mm in diameter, plastic globules have been measured in the body as large as 5 mm. If you eat a high fat diet AND use plastics frequently, see the problem? Plus sugar and alcohol are inflammatory to the body. Again, the problem?
I challenge you to keep a food diary for 4 days, include alcohol, etc, and look at the fatty content, carbs and protein. You actually do know when you are eating poorly. We can't ignore it any longer.
Enough for now. Saturday we will look at more prevention and treatment.
o
lab work,