Fragments From Floyd

Nine Easy Steps to Fight Age-Related Memory Loss

The things we need to do to protect ourselves from dementia, are pretty close to the things we need to do to protect ourselves from the other great fear - heart disease. High cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and smoking have long been considered--and aggressively treated--as risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These same cardiovascular risk factors in middle age may also increase significantly the risk of dementia in old age, according to Kaiser Permanente researchers. Here are the nine steps. The linked article has additional references in support of each of these.

• *Get physical exercise
• **Protect your head
• **Get mental stimulation
• **Build social networks
• Improve your diet
• Improve your blood pressure
• Improve your cholesterol
• Avoid tobacco
• Don't abuse alcohol

* Interestingly, decline in physical abilities may be a warning sign of impending mental decline:

First Signs of Alzheimer's May Be Trouble with Balance, Walking

"Everyone had expected the earliest signs of dementia would be subtle cognitive changes," said Eric B. Larson, MD, MPH, director of Group Health Center for Health Studies. "We were surprised to find that physical changes can precede declines in thinking." What is considered a brain disease may be intimately connected to physical fitness, he added.

In the study, the first indicators of future dementia appeared to be problems with walking and balance. A weak handgrip may be a later sign of the development of dementia in older people."

** I figure if I wear a helmet while blogging I've got three out of nine pretty well covered. Makes me feel downright healthy--regardless what SHE tells me as I pound the keys. Yes, dear. Exercise. Think I'll walk to the fridge and get a beer.