Alzheimer’s And Dementia ‒ Is It More Common Than We Think?

Written by: Cassandra Wiley, Senior Level Executive Contributor

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

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Oftentimes, we think that memory loss is a sign of getting old. Conversely, we may believe that getting Alzheimer’s or dementia is inevitable as we age. We want to blame age on illnesses; however, there is a medical reason for it. We may have a family member that suffered or is currently suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. We may all forget things sometimes; however, it is more serious for an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient.

Dementia is a decline in mental ability. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia characterized by severe memory loss, unusual behavior, personality changes, and a decline in mental function. What are the causes? The possibilities are:

• Blood sugar issues

• Head injuries

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Genetic defects

• Smoking

• Ingesting foods containing aspartame

• Chronic inflammation

Before an official diagnosis from a doctor, there are ways to screen for certain skills:

• Self-care skills – this includes dressing and bathing. meal prep, cleaning, and other household chores.

• Communication skills – the ability to read and follow simple instructions as well as verbal communication

• Simple math skills – include paying bills and telling time

• Mood – feelings, temperament

You can assess how your loved one cares for themselves. Do they bathe? Are they smartly dressed or disheveled? Do they forget to eat or how to prepare a meal? Are they dressed for the right season (i.e., wearing summer clothes in the summer)?

When speaking, can they articulate themselves? Do they speak loud or normal tone of voice? Are they constantly repeating the same questions and statements over and over? Do they get angry or irritable? You are looking for unusual behaviors. In the initial stages, there is forgetfulness and the need to keep busy.

How is their mood? Are they irritable most of the time? Do they believe that a family member is trying to hurt or out to get them?

Now that you know the symptoms, what can you do for your loved one?

1. Brain-powering foods – nutrition is always important when you are trying to heal the body. A plant-based diet is usually best. Meat and seafood contain saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Also, depending on the methods of treatment, meat may contain antibiotics and growth hormones. Dairy also contains substantial amounts of saturated fat as well. Those that follow a plant-based diet notice an improvement in weight and blood glucose levels.

2. Turmeric ‒ this is an anti-inflammatory that helps detoxify the liver, balance cholesterol levels, fight allergies, and boost immunity. One delicious way to incorporate turmeric into your wellness routine is in curry dishes or “Golden Milk.” (Recipes to follow).

3 Ashwagandha – this root helps the body adapt to stress by calming the brain, reducing swelling, and lowering blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before taking ashwagandha if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an autoimmune disease.

4. Medications can have a side effect on memory – all medications have side effects. However, medicines, like cholesterol-lowering drugs and antidepressants, can affect memory. Sleeping pills, even over-the-counter ones, can interfere with memory. Always talk to your doctor about the side effects that you experience from the medications you are taking.

5. Encourage puzzles and games – brainteasers can strengthen critical thinking skills.

6. Meet them where they are – this is common in health coaching as well. Do not make any drastic changes in your relationship.

As promised, here are the recipe ideas.

Golden Milk

• 2 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk

• 1 ½ tsp ground turmeric powder

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil

• Pinch of black pepper (this enhances the turmeric)

• Maple syrup or agave to taste (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer. Enjoy!

Mushroom and Chickpea Curry

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, diced

• 1 chopped onion

• 1 inch of grated ginger

• 8 oz. mushrooms, chopped

• 2 tsp curry powder

• 1 tsp. ground coriander

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 lb. diced sweet potato

• 1 can chickpeas

Sauté the garlic, onion, ginger, and mushrooms for 5 minutes. Add the curry powder, ground coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and sweet potato. Stir and then add the chickpeas. Season with spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) to taste, and add just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Serve with salad or vegetables.

Berry Flaxseed Smoothie

• 2 tbsp. whole flaxseeds

• ½ cup orange juice

• 1.2 cup nonfat vanilla almond yogurt

• 1 cup unsweetened frozen mixed berries or blueberries

• 1 small banana, sliced

In a blender, ground flaxseeds into fine powder. Add orange juice, yogurt, berries, and banana. Cover and blend until smooth.

Mexican Soup with Avocado Salsa

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil

• 1 small red chili, sliced

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• 1-2 Tbsp chili sauce

• 1 red pepper, diced

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 25 oz tomato juice

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Heat the oil and add the garlic, onion, spices, red pepper, and chili. Cook for about 10 minutes. Add the kidney beans, tomato juice, and chili sauce. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes.

To make the avocado salsa, finely dice

• 1 avocado

• 2 onions

• Pinch of Kosher or sea salt

• 1 Tbsp fresh coriander

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Blend together and refrigerate until soup is ready.

Learn more from Cassandra by visiting her website. Read more from Cassandra!

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Cassandra Wiley, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Cassandra Wiley is a health coach and founder of Have Faith and Live Well with Chasadah LLC. She focuses primarily on chronic illnesses such as pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. Her mission is to empower individuals to lose weight and teach a new healthier approach to food to live better lives. She was successful in reversing her pre-diabetes and high cholesterol diagnoses naturally. The weight loss was an added benefit. She has helped clients change their diets and “have faith” in themselves to meet their health and wellness goals.