As the nation
has come together to remember and honor former President
Ronald Reagan, we are reminded that it was 10 years ago
when he announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s to
the nation and the world.
What a long and difficult
farewell it has been for the Reagan family as well as other
families with loved ones suffering from this disease.
By sheer coincidence, I had
just attended a most informative lecture on memory loss
and dementia given by Dr. Jeanne Jackson-Siegal, medical
director of Alzheimer’s Resource Center of Connecticut,
and sponsored by Brighton Gardens Retirement Community in
Woodbridge.
Although there is no known
cure yet, new research and medications make maintaining
patients at higher levels of function possible, thus delaying
the necessity of a nursing home.
Of critical importance, according
to Jackson-Siegal, is early diagnosis so that appropriate
medication may be started and so that caregivers may better
understand and become educated about the progression of
the disease and also become familiar with the various agencies
and support groups available.
While dementia is a chronic,
progressive brain illness affecting a rather small percentage
of the population, that percentage is expected to increase
as we all live longer. The rest of us are affected by a
natural slowing down of the memory process.
Just as an old computer takes
longer to gather all its stored data and come up with the
requested answer, so our brains take longer to make the
required associations and connections. (Jim’s wife
is Marilyn, not Marian; it was Cary Grant, not Gary Cooper,
in "Bringing Up Baby.")
While I’m assured that
the above is a common occurrence as we age and nothing to
worry about, it is frustrating when names, dates or events
we know we know, elude us.
According to a recent study
conducted by the International Longevity Center, certain
factors make some of us more likely to experience cognitive
decline. They include adverse drug reactions, over-medication,
depression, metabolic and hormonal disturbance, tumors,
trauma and alcoholism.
The good news is that in addition
to regular physical activity and a balanced diet, animal
studies have shown that intellectual stimulation actually
promotes brain growth and may help to maintain cognitive
health. The brain maintains its adaptivity into very old
age and may even be able to add new cells in response to
stimulation!
There are many ways to stimulate
and exercise our brains. Organizing and writing or telling
life stories is becoming a popular activity in senior centers
and in adult learning programs.
Known as life review, these
classes, with the guidance of a trained professional, help
elders review and record the circumstances of their childhoods,
their family values, life’s work and major events.
Often, events that were almost
forgotten come to mind and help participants find new perspectives
on the meaning of life and can initiate a renewed interest
in activities.
In addition to being a valuable
memory exercise, sharing their experiences with others in
the class gives seniors a sense of self-worth and helps
them gain self-understanding.
For the fortunate majority
of us with our memories intact, our goal should be to live
each day in a manner that creates new and pleasant memories
for our own personal history book.
The most alert and alive seniors
I meet are those with a continuing sense of wonderment and
curiosity, passionate interests and the willingness to take
a risk to achieve a goal.
Jean Cherni
is founder of Senior Living Solutions, a retirement advisory
service. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or
15 The Ponds, Branford 06405. H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
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