Reducing Dementia Risk Archives - Page 3 of 5

A Prescription for the Heart: Visit, Reminisce, Repeat

Posted on August 1, 2023August 1, 2023 by seniajean

It is a beautiful, cool summer morning. Our last day of vacation in Northern California. Sitting at the table, I see nature being active through the window. A pair of white-breasted nuthatches chase each other down and up the tree, while several butterflies flit and fly all around the enormous agapanthus flowers drawn in by their lovely fragrance. Hummingbirds also enjoy the nectar. I’ve been enchanted by several sightings of these beautiful, tiny aerial fighters as they squabble over the blooms. Just beyond the lush green lawn, a deer wanders back and forth browsing and sampling tasty bits around the fig orchard.

Sunrise Photo by Frank McKenna on Unsplash

The Art of Rest – For Both Caregivers and Their Loved-Ones

Posted on July 1, 2023December 28, 2023 by seniajean

Whenever the topic of preventing dementia comes up, one item that seems to rise to the top of the list is rest – usually in the form of sleep. As in ‘get enough sleep each night’. While that is great advice, there are aspects of rest that need to happen in your waking hours as well. The secret is to somehow find the balance between all the responsibilities you have for your loved one, and your own well-being.

Wayne is getting ready to eat breakfast that includes foods from the MIND diet.

MIND(full) Eating may Reduce your Risk of Dementia

Posted on June 1, 2023October 28, 2023 by seniajean

What do you get when you cross the Mediterranean and the DASH diet? You get the MIND diet. It was developed by nutritional epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris, ScD, and her colleagues at Rush University Medical Center. They used the best of both diets to create a powerhouse meal plan for the brain. Just what we need – one more diet, right? But don’t be too hasty to dismiss this as just another fad. A variety of studies have confirmed that the effects of the MIND diet on brain function showed greater benefits than either the Mediterranean or the DASH diet alone.

My Mama, Muriel Blankenship standing in front of her cedar tree.

Smiles Speak Volumes to those with Dementia

Posted on April 1, 2023March 24, 2026 by seniajean

Mama lived with us for a season after my Daddy passed away. During that time, dementia continually claimed more and more of her abilities. Her attention span was decreasing, and she would often tire or lose interest in activities she had previously enjoyed. A few things remained. Singing was her very favorite, but we couldn’t always do that. Mama’s second favorite activity was looking at pictures of smiling faces. One day, I came across an old church directory filled with photos of all the members. She loved it!

Wayne and I at the Harlem Nights Jazz event all dressed in our Roaring 20s attire

Lower Dementia Risk by Dancing

Posted on March 1, 2023October 28, 2023 by seniajean

After several years of settling into our new community, we thought we were pretty much acquainted with all its unique culture and customs. Well, one day when a senior’s group we are involved with mentioned thabeginning line dance class, it sounded like fun, so we signed up. As it turned out, it was a ton of fun – but way different than I imagined it would be. My experience with line dancing has been limited to the Western music genres. I was quite surprised when the dance instructor began to play the first song. It was an incredibly catchy R&B/Hip Hop song called ‘The Cupid Shuffle’.

Wayne is holding some of our favorite dark chocolate snacks.

Dark Chocolate for Enhanced Health

Posted on February 1, 2023November 5, 2023 by seniajean

Wayne’s parents came up from Florida to spend Christmas with us this year. While preparing for their visit, we called and asked what food and drinks they would prefer. Our new Mom (the bride of his 90-year-old dad) immediately said, “Dark Chocolate hot cocoa.” I didn’t know there was such a thing as dark chocolate…

Wayne and I going on a walk in our neighborhood.

Stepping Away from Dementia

Posted on October 1, 2022October 1, 2022 by seniajean

A couple of years ago, I wrote about some of the health benefits of walking in a post titled: “Reducing Dementia, One Benefit of Walking”. Of course, at the time, it was during COVID, and highlighted a way to be social during that season. That post was based on previous studies, but the results of a new study just published is the icing on the cake!

Wayne is holding some of the items he uses to fight dental issues every day.

Are Dental & Mental Health Intertwined?

Posted on September 1, 2022September 28, 2022 by seniajean

Five years ago when we first moved to Charlotte, we had to make so many changes – way more than simply our zip code. The list included new driver’s licenses, doctors, dentists, registering to vote, where to shop, and how to get to all these places. Over time, we have come to learn about our new city and can (usually) find wherever it is we need to go. Occasionally, we still rely on our phone apps to get us there.

Turn your cards, calendar, or pictures upside down to help your brain learn new ways of looking at things.

Neurobics, changing the way we look at things

Posted on July 1, 2022March 30, 2025 by seniajean

After caring for Mama throughout the last decade or so of her life while dementia relentlessly stole bits and pieces from both her abilities and memories, I am more committed than ever to do everything I can to strengthen my brain and hopefully prevent dementia from occurring in my own life. Of course, at the same time, I realize that there is an element of illness that is beyond anyone’s control. Regardless, I enjoy the healthy lifestyle that Wayne and I are pursuing and will continue it for as long as possible.

Photo credit: Bruno Martins--c9N9RgjOPU by Unsplash

One, the loneliest number raises dementia risk

Posted on March 1, 2022January 23, 2025 by seniajean

Back in 1969, the band, ‘Three Dog Night’ struck a resounding chord with their hit song, ‘One’ . The song begins, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do”. It’s as true today as it was back then. The recent COVID pandemic with the culture that emerged from it has unfortunately created a lot of ‘Ones’ – a multitude of folks isolated from family and friends.