Dementia Issues

My family is long lived. Our experience with cancer is minimal and mostly absent. Same with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Elder dementia near the end of life is a reality of our family’s experience, but not as a life changing force signaling an early demise.

My mother lived to 104. Dad should have lived to the mid-90’s but died at 88 due to two falls that broke both his back and neck. They could not operate due to the very real threat of stroke.

I once had a cardiologist ask me if my heart condition was similar to other family members. I told him yes, nearly all males in my family died of congestive heart failure. So, he said, ‘that’s not a good sign.’ Then I opined, ‘but doc, they all died in their mid-90’s of old age. Heart issues were just the means. He agreed.

I mention this issue today because the topic of dementia and Alzheimer’s appears frequently in the news and social media. These news items stir up a lot of fear and action in the public. Medical attention is drawn to their concerns, and I suspect a lot of unnecessary medications are involved.

Some of these cases are most likely a real concern. My hunch, however, is that many are not.

My experience within and outside of my family is active minds seem to preclude dementia. Crossword puzzles, math puzzles and reading seem to push elders to a longer life without dementia. Friends who do not engage such mental activities seem to die earlier and with dementia. Is this supported by science and research on aging? I have no idea, but my bet is such research would support my contention.

In the end, mental engagement makes for an interesting life. Most likely, such a life is more valuable and productive as well. With such benefits, why not read more and play with math and word puzzles? You might live a longer and more interesting life.

March 27, 2024

 

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