Dementia strategy has many steps

Haas, Jane Glenn . Orange County Register ; Santa Ana, Calif. [Santa Ana, Calif]17 Aug 2011.

Link dokumen ProQuest

ABSTRAK (ABSTRACT)
"The brain is like a gymnasium," [Peggy Buchanan] says. "Depending on what you are working on, you can exercise
different areas of the brain.
A: Exercise from the neck up. Keeping the brain active and fit is imperative to the health of older adults. Not only
does it stave off memory-loss illnesses like Alzheimer's and dementia, but it also fosters executive function. Try
word games and recall exercises. For example, find five red objects during a walk in the neighborhood and recall
them when back home.
A: No! Here's a new thought: Dance like there's no tomorrow. Older adults getting regular physical exercise are 60
percent less likely to get dementia. Exercise increases oxygen to the brain and releases a protein that strengthens
cell and neurons. Dance involves all of the above plus the cerebral activity present in learning and memory.

TEKS LENGKAP
For those of us hoping to age in good health, there may be little new in the basic message - exercise, eat your fruits
and veggies, watch your fats!
"We repackage the same concepts, but with a twist," says Peggy Buchanan, the coordinator of vitality and wellness
programming for Front Porch retirement living communities in Southern California.
"Science, through research and technology, does make progressive changes in the basics. Like those fruits and
vegetables. We know we need them for antioxidants, and today we talk about bringing color to the table: green
broccoli, blueberries, red radishes."
She says the same variety is important in brain games, highly touted as a potential way to stave off Alzheimer's
and other dementias, which are expected to affect half the 85-plus population.
"The brain is like a gymnasium," Buchanan says. "Depending on what you are working on, you can exercise
different areas of the brain.
"A crossword impacts our short-term focus. But dancing - maybe a new activity for you - increases oxygen to the
brain, stresses coordinated movement."
Q: You have more than 30 years experience in the health and fitness industry. So what's the first thing you tell
older adults will enhance their overall wellness?
A: Fight afternoon fatigue. Fatigue is a common problem among older adults, especially after lunch. Having a glass
of water and a high-antioxidant food like a prune can revitalize the body and stimulate the mind.
Q: Ah, prunes. Usually associated with elders. How about avoiding dementia?
A: Exercise from the neck up. Keeping the brain active and fit is imperative to the health of older adults. Not only
does it stave off memory-loss illnesses like Alzheimer's and dementia, but it also fosters executive function. Try
word games and recall exercises. For example, find five red objects during a walk in the neighborhood and recall
them when back home.
Q: You also say walking poles are better than canes?
A: Canes are training your body to be off-center because you are leaning on one arm. Walking poles allow for more
balanced mobility. Walking with poles also engages the muscles of the upper torso, which increases upper-body
strength and cardiovascular endurance. But consult a physician before switching to poles.
Q: What are some other suggestions?

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A: Dine in duos. Those who share meals with others eat less than those who eat alone. This is an easy weight-loss
tactic and one that also fosters social interaction and engagement. While this is easy for those aging in
community, older adults aging at home can plan to have meals with family or friends several times a week.
- Then break your routine. Routine limits brain stimulation. Introduce new foods or new ways of eating the same
food. For example, replaced canned peaches with freshly sliced ones. Or try taking a different route to the grocery
store or shopping center.
- Don't forget older adults with an increased genetic risk for dementia also can reduce that risk by increasing the
amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. These fatty acids are found in fish, nuts, olive oil and green leafy
vegetables.
- Then, remember as people age, the fat pads on the bottom of their feet compress, creating fatigue and pain.
Consider wearing supportive shoes or inserting foot pads for better stability and comfort or socks that have extra
padding and a wicking agent to keep feet dry and comfortable.
- In addition to the exercises that improve flexibility and improve strength and cardiovascular endurance, make
sure to add balance activities daily. Good balance requires maintaining a center of gravity over the base of
support. Tai chi, yoga, walking on challenging surfaces and water exercises all help.
- Of course, high blood pressure, which can lead to strokes and a significant decline in cognitive function, also
increases with age. Plus the sense of taste fades with age. There's a strong desire to add more salt. Putting down
the shaker and increasing exercise helps.
Q: Ah, boring exercise.
A: No! Here's a new thought: Dance like there's no tomorrow. Older adults getting regular physical exercise are 60
percent less likely to get dementia. Exercise increases oxygen to the brain and releases a protein that strengthens
cell and neurons. Dance involves all of the above plus the cerebral activity present in learning and memory.
HAAS
Bring color to the table, vary brain games and dance.
HAAS
jghaas@cox.net
Credit: JANE GLENN HAAS REGISTER COLUMNIST

DETAIL

Orang: Buchanan, Peggy

Judul: Dementia strategy has many steps

Pengarang: Haas, Jane Glenn

Judul publikasi: Orange County Register; Santa Ana, Calif.

Tahun publikasi: 2011

Tanggal publikasi: Aug 17, 2011

Bagian: LIFE

Penerbit: Orange County Register

Tempat publikasi: Santa Ana, Calif.

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 Negara publikasi: United States

Subjek publikasi: General Interest Periodicals--United States

ISSN: 08864934

Jenis sumber: Newspapers

Bahasa publikasi: English

Jenis dokumen: News

ID dokumen ProQuest: 884097304

URL Dokumen: https://search.proquest.com/docview/884097304?accountid=170128

Hak cipta: Copyright 2011 The Orange County Register

Terakhir diperbarui: 2011-08-18

Basis data: Public Health Database

Database copyright 2017 ProQuest LLC. Semua hak cipta dilindungi.

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