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Living with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's & Mild Cognitive Impairment
By Kamau Austin
Memory loss may affect us with greater frequency, as we get older. A certain amount of memory loss is to be expected. But there is a big difference between the normal forgetfulness that comes with aging and debilitating mental illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease.
Most people forget where they placed their keys from time to time or the name of a recent acquaintance. These minor lapses in memory are normal and may be, to some degree - age-related.
But age-related memory loss doesn't prevent you from living a full life. People with memory loss due to more serious conditions than the normal memory loss mentioned above, find that the memory loss is actually interfering with their ability to go about their life, normally and affects their quality of life.
With normal memory loss those affected frequently have a good- natured attitude to about it and may even joke about their inability to remember. People with more serious memory problems may have the felling that something is not quite right and may actually try to hide their symptoms.
Age related memory loss usually remains pretty stable after its initial onset, unlike the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's which tends to get worse over time.
Some additional signs of Alzheimer's disease may include, asking the same question multiple times after receiving an initial answer; inappropriate use of words; inability to follow a recipe, or other steps to completing a task; becoming lost while driving or walking on familiar streets. In additions, sudden mood or behavior changes for no apparent reasons, may signal that something is not right.
It is important to seek medical attention, quickly if you experience any of these symptoms. These symptoms can be indicative of conditions other than Alzheimer's; conditions that are reversible and treatable if diagnosed in time. Even Alzheimer's disease responds to some treatments and the prognosis is better for those who seek medical treatment for the disease, than those who don't.
Between the normal experience of forgetfulness that comes with aging and Alzheimer's is a transitional stage called Mild Cognitive Impairment of MCI.
While MCI can affect many areas of cognition or thinking. Researchers find that it affects memory most often. The number of people with MCI in the general over 65 non-demented population is not known but some believe it may be as high as 20 percent.
Again, as with Alzheimer's, memory loss which goes beyond the normal range, may signal MCI. The criteria for a diagnosis of amnesia MCI are similar to Alzheimer's disease, just not as severe and with the absence of dementia.
So, what can you do to prevent memory loss and keep your mind sharp? Below are a few of the things that are shown to help you keep your wits about you:
- Stimulating activities: Either a job that is mentally challenging or learning new skills, such as learning to play a musical instrument.
- Stay physically fit: Research shows that higher physical activity correlates to lower mental decline. Exercise also helps us feel more energetic and alert.
- Eat healthy: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and lower in fats and empty carbohydrates provide us with antioxidants which may help prevent cholesterol from damaging the inner lining of our arteries, which slow the flow of blood to our brains.
- Drink alcohol in moderation: People who drink heavily for years can experience permanent brain damage and are at higher risk for dementia than non-drinkers and those who drink moderately.
- Good Supplementation: Some herbs along with vitamins B12 and vitamin C have recently been shown to be effective in promoting good mental health and functioning. It is important to be sure that you get the proper concentration and dosage when using vitamins. This is sometimes easier said than done.
To be sure that you are getting the proper combination of vitamins, herbs and minerals to promote good brain functioning you may want to try Neurovar(tm).
Neurovar(tm) is an all natural and safe formula using clinically substantiated ingredients aiding overall cognitive function. Neurovar(tm) we hear is an all natural and safe formula using clinically substantiated ingredients aiding overall cognitive function. Its makers purport that it is the complete brain function formula and is available today to help support both brain function and protection of cerebral health.
About the Author
Kamau Austin and Stephanie McIntyre are health and fitness enthusiasts and advocates. They write on a regular basis on timeless health and fitness tips at the Fit After Forty Blog. See more useful health and fitness news and tips at...
http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm
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