Ageing affects everyone differently, intellectually and physically. The most obvious symptom of intellectual ageing is memory loss. So how do we know whether this loss
is normal, or if it is the first sign of Alzheimer’s?
Is it Alzheimer’s?
Although Alzheimer’s may first become evident because of a deteriorating memory, it is only one of many symptoms a patient with Alzheimer’s experiences. Patients have difficulty dealing with everyday problems, show changes in personality, find it hard to communicate and eventually lose the power of recognising time, places and people. There are over fifty causes of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is most common. Unfortunately, although there have been huge improvements in scanning and X-ray diagnosis, doctors as yet can’t be certain if someone has Alzheimer’s without examining a section of their brain under a microscope, a test that is usually impractical in the living.
The ‘Senior Moment’
If we live long enough, we will all have ‘senior moments’. We will forget well-loved names, we will lose keys and spectacles, but only a very unfortunate few will suffer from Alzheimer’s. The loss of memory in older people whose brain hasn’t been
affected by the distinctive changes of Alzheimer’s are unlikely to find that it interferes
fundamentally with their life. They may, for example, find it difficult to find those elusive car keys, but once in the driving seat they will safely reach their destination and their contribution to the day’s events will be as relevant as ever.
Stay sharp
Modifying lifestyle can help people retain their youthful vigour. Avoiding excessive alcohol intake and not smoking are beneficial. It is less difficult to steer clear of head injuries throughout life but regular blood pressure tests, coupled with adequate
treatment if necessary, helps avoid the insidious brain damage that can be caused. Brain damage, whatever its origin, makes Alzheimer’s more likely.
To remain alert, exercising the mind is as important as exercising the body. Seeking intellectual challenges and maintaining social contacts has an influence on remaining mentally active. Learn something new, whether its ornithology, bridge or sudoku. Challenging cerebral activities like reading intellectually demanding books, following the twists and turns of political life or accepting the demands made by maintaining a social life, also exercise the mind.
Plan life so that, although it offers a challenge, it doesn’t create domestic or financial tensions. Both can precipitate symptoms of stress and depression and these affect memory - conversely adequate sleep preserves it. Don’t become obsessive about
memory loss but concentrate on remembering key facts. No one can - or should - remember everything, so don’t be ashamed of carrying a notebook and diary. The consequences of forgetfulness can be reduced by keeping the essential aids to sanity in the same pocket or section of a bag. Once home, put everything in its allotted spot immediately.
Eat to beat it
There is evidence that a low fat diet is associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s. Research into the effect of eating a balanced Mediterranean style diet has been carefully studied. Scientists found that people who consistently enjoyed a vegetable, fruit, fish and olive oil based diet with a modest amount of wine, but a low salt intake, were intellectually sharper as well as longer lived than those who had a standard western European diet.
Fish, especially oily fish, is important. The Alzheimer’s Research Trust recommends eating oily fish at least once a week. Fish oil contains the now famous
omega 3 fats, including DHA. This is essential for the brain’s development and is only obtainable from diet or supplements. Worryingly, for older people, the average British diet contains relatively little DHA and a dietary deficiency has been linked to dementia.
If herring, smoked salmon, sardines, pilchards or other oily fish are not already regular parts of the family menu daily,
omega 3 supplements are needed. Currently a large trial is evaluating the extent of the effect of
omega 3 fish oil on dementia. Its results are due to be published soon. Several smaller research studies have already shown that omega 3 fish oil has an importance in maintaining the intellectual health of older people as well as the intellectual development of children.
Similarly, food rich in
vitamin B - whether from fish, milk, liver or dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach - are important. There is growing evidence that a low intake of some B vitamins, including folates, vitamin B12 and
vitamin B6,
may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Lecithin is a fatty substance found in all body cells, including those in the central nervous system. It contains two of the B vitamins, phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl inositol, as well as methionine, an amino acid. The Alzheimer’s Research Trust is funding studies on the role of the B vitamins in dementia and their
results are due to be published this year. If anyone has any doubts about the adequacy of their intake or the ability of their digestive tract to absorb these vitamins, supplements are needed.
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