Protect Your Brain-You Might Need It Someday!

Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia seen in aging patients, is on the rise. Such diseases devastate those who suffer from them, as well as family members who go through it with them. Can you imagine not knowing who or where you are? Not recognizing your surroundings? Your own family members?

This degenerative brain disease is characterized by changes in brain tissue such as plaque and tangled nerve fibers. Because Alzheimer’s has no known cure, prevention is of the utmost importance. You may not be able to change your genetic makeup that could predispose you to this disease, but there are things you can do to help keep your brain healthy and reduce the chance that you’ll suffer from the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

By now, you probably know what I’m going to say first: Watch your diet! Eat lots of all-natural foods so your body has the nutrients it need to remain healthy. Drink plenty of water every day. Take your vitamins: C, E, and the B vitamins are especially important for brain function, as is Co-enzyme Q10.

Some herbs may be helpful in increasing brain function. If you’re considering taking an herbal supplement, I highly recommend that you talk to a herbalist—someone knowledgeable about the various herbs, their effects on the body, their interaction with any medications you may be taking, and the proper preparation of herbs. Many herbs are available over the counter. Just remember, herbs were drugs before pharmaceutics were drugs. Herbs can be dangerous if used improperly.

The motto for full brain function seems to be “Use it or lose it.” Studies show that playing games, or doing tasks that require language skills, decreases the likelihood of degenerative changes in the brain. This is good news for all you lovers of Scrabble, crossword puzzles, word games, and journal writing. These have been found to be common denominators among people who never develop the symptoms of degenerative brain disease.

Get your family together for regular game nights. If you have neighbors who live alone, ask them to join you. Do you tackle the crossword puzzle online at work each morning? Well, you now have a way to defend yourself when co-workers accuse you of goofing off: “I’m protecting my brain function so I can perform work tasks more effectively!”

One of the more interesting findings from the latest studies indicates that social interaction at meals can have a slowing effect on the rate of brain degeneration. This is interesting in light of the fact that, over the years, it’s become less and less common for families to sit down to meals together, even as the incidence of degenerative brain disease seems to be increasing.

Make it a point to dine with your family regularly, and turn off the TV while you eat. If you find conversation lacking, or your family interactions routinely turn into uncomfortable silences, have a list of safe topics handy to draw from. Appoint one family member as the facilitator for the meal: that person can choose the topic or topics and keep the conversation going and on track.

If you live alone, join friends for lunch or dinner. One of my friends suggested that talking on the phone while eating might have the same positive effect, and may be an option for people who live alone. Perhaps you have a neighbor or friend who lives alone—invite them to eat with you on a regular basis; if you wish, make it potluck.

Alzheimer’s is just one of the many diseases that seem to have a genetic component. You may have an inherited tendency toward a certain disease, but remember—you can go a long way toward stacking the deck in your health’s favor if you start learning new, preventative habits now.

Further Reading

Aging With Grace, by David Snowdon, Ph.D.

Keep Your Brain Young, by Guy McKhann, M.D. and Marilyn Albert, Ph.D.