“My mother has had Alzheimer's disease for 2 years. While we had no idea what it was or what it wasn't, we suddenly found ourselves in this void. I say emptiness because his life consists of emptiness. His mind is empty, his speech is empty, his appetite is empty and his looks... Let alone recognizing me, sometimes he even complains to the neighbors because I steal their money. 'Mom!' I say, 'It's me!' Your daughter!'. Then it calms down, but it's empty again. He doesn't know what he is eating when he eats. He can finish a loaf of bread in one sitting. He may think there is a fire in the house and open the door and escape. He might think my wife is my father's youth. The most enjoyable thing for him is that he can forget what he has forgotten.”
A caregiver of one of my patients expressed Alzheimer's in exactly this way.
Alzheimer's doesn't just mean forgetfulness. The first phase begins with character change. The individual begins to show maladaptation even to small changes, no longer enjoys the things he used to enjoy, and shows symptoms of depression. He doesn't take minor forgetfulness seriously, and even says he doesn't forget. The child begins to be disturbed by his voice and guest visits. You think that your relative has become grumpy with age. This is exactly where it's late. Because we think Alzheimer's is just about forgetfulness. When you go to the doctor with a complaint of forgetfulness, the patient is actually in the second stage. However, it is extremely important to prevent the disease and cognitive decline before it even begins! Because although there is no definitive cure for Alzheimer's, uncertainty about effective drug treatments continues.
So what do we do?
Acquiring Optional Intellectual Activities:
According to the Alzheimer's Association of Turkey There are approximately 400 thousand Alzheimer's patients in Turkey. The likelihood that a person's brain function will be less damaged is directly proportional to the fact that he/she has received formal education or has been involved in mentally exhausting activities throughout his/her life. In short, the more intellectual stimulation you give your brain, the more your brain will retain its functions.
Regular Physical Exercise:
Research shows that walking at least three days a week delays cognitive decline. Exercising improves your brain health e is very important to protect your nervous system.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Oily cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, etc.) and fish oil supplements, It is known that those with high DHA levels have a 47% decrease in the risk of Alzheimer's disease (Rabins, 2008).
B12 Level:
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the growth and repair of the cells that form the nerve network of the brain. If you are currently complaining about carelessness and forgetfulness, you can request a B12 and folic acid test from the nearest health center.
“You can do different but simple brain exercises every day to avoid routine in your daily life and to break rote behaviors and increase awareness.”
1. Solve a small puzzle after a short walk in the morning.
2. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
3. Memorize your shopping list.
4. Learn a few words you don't know from the dictionary and try to use them during the day.
5. Try to attend pilates, yoga and meditation classes. Meet new people.
6. If you are right-handed, try to exercise your left hand a little. Comb your hair with your left hand and stir your tea with a spoon in the opposite direction you are used to.
7. Imagine there is a brush at the tip of your nose. With this, draw a horizontal eight in the air in your favorite color. Do this movement loosely and balanced. These drawing movements immediately revitalize your tired mind.
8. Imagine that you need to rewrite your life story. For this, you need to remember who your best friend was in primary school and what his/her type was. Of course, the layout and appearance of the classroom... Also, try to visualize what you see from your classroom window.
I hope that every moment and the emotions it makes you feel will never leave your mind and soul without you wanting it...
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