Table 7: Ten Ways to Love Your Brain 1. Break a sweat: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline. 2. Hit the books: Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center, or online. 3. Butt out: Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked. 4. Follow your heart: Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes – negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow. 5. Heads up! Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls. 6. Fuel up right: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction. 7. Catch some Zzz’s: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking. 8. Take care of your mental health: Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress. 9. Buddy up: Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community – if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an afterschool program. Or, just share activities with friends and family. 10.Stump yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain. Note. From Alzheimer’s Association. (2017b). 10 ways to love your brain. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/brain-health/10_ways-to-love-your-brain. asp CASE STUDY 1
Mrs. Bennett was happily married for 55 years when her husband died suddenly of a heart attack 16 months ago. Since that time, she has kept to herself, avoiding social opportunities and leisure activities. She had a complete physical examination by her healthcare professional 6 months ago with no current concerns other than mild arthritis. Despite Mrs. Bennett’s lack of apparent serious medical concerns, she reports having difficulty sleeping and has lost 20 lb in the past year without trying. She feels guilty that she did not cook healthier meals during her marriage and still cries for long periods each day and blames herself for her husband’s death. She sometimes forgets her husband is no longer alive and has conversations with him. She is experiencing memory difficulties and has not kept up with the household bills despite having adequate income. She forgot her daughter’s birthday last month and often forgets what she was shopping for when in the grocery store. Her family suspects that Mrs. Bennett is developing Alzheimer’s disease. Questions 1. What are some of the possible causes of Mrs. Bennett’s problems? 2. What type of referral or treatment would you recommend? Answers 1. Mrs. Bennett could have bereavement, complicated bereavement, depression, dementia, or a combination of these. Because of the length of time, feelings of guilt, persistent crying, and possible hallucinations, she is more likely to have complicated bereavement, most likely with
depression. If Mrs. Bennett’s memory loss is not related to her depression, she may be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, an older adult may function independently. He or she may still drive, work, and be part of social activities. Usually, the person feels as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. Many families may think that memory loss is normal with aging, so the healthcare professional should discuss normal versus abnormal memory changes. Examples include the following: normal – forgetting the name of someone to whom they were just introduced; abnormal – forgetting the name of their neighbor of the past 10 years. 2. Mrs. Bennett’s depression should be treated before determining whether she needs an evaluation at a memory clinic. People with depression usually have signs of memory problems that clear with treatment. Due to the severity of her depression, Mrs. Bennett could benefit from antidepressant medication and counseling or therapy. After some progress is made, recommendations for leisure activities and interacting with family and friends should be encouraged. As a healthcare professional, it would also be beneficial to conduct a memory screen on Mrs. Bennett along with a physical examination. If confirmed that Mrs. Bennett is experiencing signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, she can be prescribed medicine to lessen the behaviors associated with this disease.
CASE STUDY 2
Mrs. James lives in a nursing home and has chronic obstructive lung disease, which causes her to be fatigued during everyday activities. Although she is capable of dressing herself, she chooses not to and has purposefully become dependent on the nursing home staff to help her dress. The nursing home staff call Mrs. James lazy. However, her family is concerned that Mrs. James’ physical health
is deteriorating more quickly than they expected. She tells her family that she does not dress herself so she can save energy for the activities she really wants to do, such as singing and painting. Mrs. James’ family is relieved by Mrs. James’ comments but want to inform the staff of the thinking behind her actions. They are now more concerned with how Mrs. James is perceived by the
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Book Code: PTNY3622B
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