Over the last few years, quite a bit of attention has been paid to the subject of dementia. The information has included ways to reduce your risk, as well as lifestyles that may contribute to cognitive decline. I originally began this blog back in 2015 as a kind of continuation of the stories collected in a book I wrote about our family’s experience with my Mama when she had dementia. The book shares our family’s quest to help her find joy in the journey and finish well. As time has passed, I find myself and those around me – especially caregivers, becoming more interested in ways they can lower their own risk.
I went back through the last few years of posts in this blog and chose several articles that discuss lifestyles and activities that can help reduce your risk of dementia. They are listed below, grouped by their topics. Many of the following ideas might also benefit someone who has already been diagnosed with cognitive decline. Take some time to peruse them, and hopefully you will find a few tips and tidbits that can help your journey into the future.
R&R for the Heart
Protecting our hearts, or emotions is a vital part of a strategy when wanting to protect our mental capacity from decline. Social interaction must be intentional in order for it to provide a positive impact.
A Prescription for the Heart: Visit, Reminisce, Repeat
Gratefulness May Lessen the Impact of Dementia
One, the loneliest number raises dementia risk
Take five
Are you feeling exhausted? Don’t allow anyone to make you feel bad for indulging in a short afternoon nap. Rest is good for the mind and restorative for everyone.
The Art of Rest – For Both Caregivers and Their Loved-Ones
Various and Sundry
You are more likely to find a few ideas that you can embrace by looking at a wide range of ways to reduce your risk of developing dementia. Recent research turned up an interesting item I have not yet written about. It is regarding the often overlooked benefits of pet ownership. Back in 2019, I shared the story about my Mama and her neighbor’s dog Duke. It was titled “Pets provide comfort and companionship to dementia patients”. However, that was written from the perspective of how a pet benefits someone already experiencing cognitive decline. Shortly, I do plan to do more extensive research to find studies regarding a pet’s role in reducing the risk of dementia. The following group of articles fall into a miscellaneous category.
Plan a ‘Victory Garden’ this Winter to help Fight Dementia
Grandparents benefit from being with Grandchildren
Are Dental & Mental Health Intertwined?
Neurobics, changing the way we look at things
Moving and Stepping
Activity, such as dancing and walking have long been known to provide many benefits. The saying, “If it’s good for the heart, it’s good for the brain” is being proven by study after study.
Lower Dementia Risk by Dancing
Backing up is good for your memory
Eating and snacking
The role diet plays in our lives affects the effects that food has on both our bodies and minds. As we all know, eating is a universal activity. It consumes a large part of our day – either eating, or thinking about eating.
MIND(full) Eating may Reduce your Risk of Dementia
Can Apples Help Reduce Dementia Risk?
Dark Chocolate for Enhanced Health
As a beekeeper, I want to close with a little-known fact about the life of the honeybee. All bee larvae are fed Royal Jelly, a white protein-rich jelly-like substance by the nurse bees for the first three days of their lives. After that, only the Queen Bee continues to get Royal Jelly. All the rest of the bees will be fed ‘Bee Bread’ – a mixture of pollen and nectar or honey and a little bee saliva. From identical beginnings, these dietary differences cause the larvae to either develop into the queen bee (receiving royal jelly all her life), or a worker bee (eating bee bread). It just goes to show – you are what you eat!
Has your world been touched by dementia?
My book, “FinishingWell: Finding the Joy in Dementia”, is a collection of stories and tips about doing life with my Mama. May it encourage and inspire you to find joy on your own, unique journey.
An excellent recap of the year. I like the part at the end of the article about the bees being what they eat. So true!