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The Best of Times, The Worst of Times
What the world needs now is another blog, right? Well, in this case, I say “Right!” This blog exists to keep you informed and updated on the information about preventing dementia that is coming out of research labs around the world. It’s new It’s fresh. And it’s meant to help you stay young — in both body and brain!
The best of times
The level of knowledge and information about dementia is expanding exponentially, and a ton of it is available if you are willing dig for it. Scientists are learning more than ever before about how the human body works and what to do to keep it working at optimal levels. Some of what they are learning will surprise you. Some of it you’ll think of as common knowledge; turns out your grandmother was right about many things. We are so fortunate that so much information is right at our finger tips.
The worst of times
Dementia is on the rise among aging populations. Studies from industrialized countries show increases in all types of dementia: Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and others. It’s time to reverse the trend, and it can be done by using the strategies and tactics that will be presented in this blog.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. Every week I see 20-50 studies that may help in the quest for the fountain of youth. Some are worth their weight in platinum; others are just about useless. So how do you know which is which? That’s what this blog is all about.
Why I care
As an experimental social psychologist, I’m well-qualified to read those studies and help separate the good from the questionable. But, for me, this is not just a professional quest for information.
I began this research four years ago when my father died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. (Actually, he died from medical error. I’ll go into that story in the future).
I’ve been told that Alzheimer’s is a genetic disease. I began my studies just to find out whether or not that is true. If it is, I may be the next in line to develop dementia. If not, then what? And, in any case, what can I do to stay healthy and productive in my remaining years.
What I’ve Discovered So Far
What I’ve found in my four years of research is that there is no magic pill for anti-aging and the prevention of dementia, regardless of the glowing reports the media offers. There are, however, eight strategies that offer proven solutions, not just for the 20-30 years down the road when you may or may not develop dementia, but for the present, right now. I call them the eight power keys. They’re simple to understand, and simple to incorporate into your daily life.
The Eight Power Keys
Here are the 8 power keys. These represent goals that you’ll eventually be able to reach every day, easily and with little or no expense.
1. Slash Your Risk Factors
2. Move It or Lose It – Exercise is antiaging and preventive.
3. Eat to Get and Stay Healthy
4. When Your Diet is not Enough – Visit the health food store, and look in your own backyard
5. Pushups for Your Brain – how to maintain and even improve brain function
6. Maintaining the balance – Work, play, family life – all important ingredients in healthy aging
7. Extending Consciousness
8. Spiritual Practice
Each power key contains a variety of tactics to accomplish the goal of that key. I’ll present those as we go along, so come back every day for a new tactic. Try them out. If they work for you, you’ll begin to see benefits in weeks, not years!
June 12th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Nice!