By Max Stanley Chartrand, Ph.D.-Candidate
Behavioral Medicine
Headlines predicting a coming Tidal Wave of
Alzheimer's are grossly misleading. In fact, most of
the commonly accepted statistics on the prevalence
of the condition are based upon false data. "What is
Alzheimer's?" we ask. And too often the answer
relies on the premise that anything that looks like
it, walks like it, and quacks like it must be
Alzheimer's.
However, there are a host of non-Alzheimer's
behaviors that are anything but Alzheimer’s. Most of
these have to do with sensory loss, medication
side-effects, undiagnosed disease, and food
allergies OVERLAID with normal aging factors.
Without question, the most common cause of mis- or
over-diagnosis of Alzheimer's today is that of
uncorrected hearing loss in the elderly. Since the
"gold standard" for determining mental status, the
Mini Mental State Examination or MMSE, is given
orally, results are entirely invalid when
administered to any person with significant hearing
loss. And, of course, prevalence of hearing loss
runs about 39% of those above 65 years of age and
more than 69% of those over 80 years of age.
So, a mental status examination given verbally to
older adults is more of a test of hearing acuity
than it is a test of memory or mental status. Here
are just some of the ways you may prevent and/or
ameliorate symptoms of Alzheimer's, while maximizing
mental ability at the same time:
Have your hearing tested at least every 2 years. If you have a hearing
loss, have it corrected with appropriate treatment
(hearing aids or medical treatment). Never allow an
oral test for mental status before addressing
auditory issues.
Where possible, avoid prolonged use of
medications that cause cognitive or vascular
side-effects. Medication side-effects can cause
Alzheimer's or make its symptoms worse.
Become a life-long learner. Be engaged in a
course of study or get in the habit of reading. Work
Crossword Puzzles, sew and/or make crafts. Challenge
your mind to improve and stay sharp.
Stay socially active and expand your circle of
friends. Be involved in family, community, and
church affairs. Friendships and social involvement
stimulates the brain, reduces depression, and helps
minimize natural aging factors.
Play a musical instrument and/or sing daily. The
therapeutic value of music is conclusive: Good music
stimulates growth of the connective tissues of the
human brain, especially dendrites and axons that
otherwise wither with disuse.
The bedrock to good mental health is good
physical health. Take care of yourself: Eat
sensibly, avoid foods and substances that are
detrimental to health, sleep well, and exercise
adequately. Drink plenty of water daily (see my
monolog that covers this aspect). Many hypertensive
and other medications would be almost unnecessary
today if the elderly drank sufficient amounts of
water daily.
By observing the above guidelines, you can
strengthen memory and cognitive ability. You will
minimize some of the major pathophysiological causes
of Alzheimer's. You may retain your independence and
the ability to manage your own affairs for a longer
period of time. You and your family may be rewarded
with a longer, fuller life filled with happy
memories and brighter tomorrows.
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