affairs

Is It Alzheimer's?

by Roberta Rand Caponey

Remember the scenes in the movie, The Notebook, when James Garner reintroduced himself to his wife—every day? Gena Rowlands, who played his wife stricken by Alzheimer's, sometimes smiled fondly at the memories they shared. Other times, she grew terrified of the stranger who claimed was her husband.

Images we see of Alzheimer's victims in films like The Notebook can strike fear into the hearts of aging Baby Boomers everywhere. If we forget where we left the car keys or absentmindedly stick the ice cream in the refrigerator the question may loom in the back of our mind: Could it be Alzheimer's?

Brain training

Alzheimer's is in part caused by cell loss in the area of the brain called the parietal cortex. Poor diet, depression, obesity — or even not drinking enough water –- can all contribute to declining memory function.

Studies show that diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol tend to clog arteries and also put people at a higher risk for Alzheimer's and dementia. Research shows it's clear that good dietary behavior can protect your overall health as you age.

Besides eating lots of fruits and veggies, combating Alzheimer's requires a healthy amount of mental and physical activity. Nothing deprives the brain of nourishment like a sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity stimulates blood flow to the brain, "pumping up" brain cells. Walking, gardening or bicycling just 30 min. a day can have a significant impact on brain function.

Participating in mind-stimulating activities like reading, learning foreign languages and completing puzzles and word games keep your brain in optimum shape. Socializing with friends and family is also recommended.

Aging or Alzheimer's

If you're concerned about your loved one's mental health, The Alzheimer's Association offers the following checklist to help distinguish normal memory loss from the onset of Alzheimer's disease:

  • Memory loss. While it's normal to forget appointments, names or telephone numbers, those with dementia will forget more often.
  • Difficulty performing everyday tasks. A person with Alzheimer's may have forgotten how to preparing a meal, use a household appliance or participate in a lifelong hobby.
  • Problems with language. Everyone can have trouble finding the right words, but a person with Alzheimer's forgets simple words or might substitute unusual words, making speech or writing hard to understand.
  • Disorientation to time and place. It's normal to forget the day of the week or where you're going. But people with Alzheimer's may forget where they are and how to get back home.
  • Poor or decreased judgment. Alzheimer's sufferers may dress without regard to the weather or make poor financial decisions, giving away large sums of money to telemarketers or paying for home repairs or products they don't need.
  • Problems with abstract thinking. Balancing a checkbook might challenge those of us who are right-brained. But a person with Alzheimer's may forget what the numbers represent and what needs to be done with them.
  • Misplacing things. Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. Someone with Alzheimer's may put objects in unusual places, like an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
  • Changes in mood, personality or behavior. Alzheimer's sufferers can show rapid mood swings — from calmness to sudden sadness or anger — for no apparent reason. Worse, they could become overly suspicious, fearful or dependent on a friend or family member.
Copyright © 2005 Roberta Rand Caponey. Used with permission.

Background Information

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