| Argh! Where are my glasses? I put them down . . . to | | | | products junkie, for that matter. I never met an |
| do what? And when?As the daughter of an | | | | aged cheddar cheese I didn't like. So I was very |
| Alzheimer's patient, this inability to keep up with | | | | surprised to find that I actually prefer soy-based milk |
| everyday items, like my glasses and car keys, drives | | | | and ice creams to their dairy counterparts. I haven't |
| me absolutely nuts! Absent-mindedness has always | | | | tried soy-based cheeses yet. If you have, or if |
| plagued me. Now, it keeps me anxious and guessing. | | | | you've tried other soy substitutes, let me know what |
| Is this an early sign of Alzheimer's disease? Could I | | | | you think.A caution: genetically-altered soy beans are |
| end up like my father, crippled with this disease? I | | | | often used in soy-based products. Without labeling, |
| decided to stop worrying about it and act!I searched | | | | such as that Western European countries require on |
| the latest literature to see what techniques (no | | | | all genetically-altered foods, it is difficult to be certain |
| prescriptions, thank you!) could prevent or delay the | | | | that genetically-altered beans have been excluded |
| onset of Alzheimer's disease. Here are some of the | | | | from the products you're eating. I get mine at the |
| things I found.Diet Counts!Vitamin EDiets rich in | | | | health-food store for a little added protection. |
| vitamin E and essential oils may help prevent | | | | Although I cannot tell if the product contains some |
| Alzheimer's disease. A study recently reported in the | | | | genetically-altered soy, the fact that it is organically |
| Archives of Neurology (2002) found that participants, | | | | grown assures me it is free of pesticide |
| aged 65-102, who ate fish at least once each week | | | | residues.What about NSAIDS (non-steroidal |
| showed 36% less decline in cognitive functioning over | | | | anti-inflammatory drugs)?One of the prevailing |
| the study's three+ years. Similar results have been | | | | theories is that inflammation causes or encourages |
| found in the Rotterdam Study, a study tracking over | | | | Alzheimer's disease. This theory led to the suggestion |
| 9000 participants. Those researchers found that | | | | that a daily regimen of NSAIDs (Ibuprofen and similar |
| participants who ate fish most often were only | | | | products) might prevent the disease. However, |
| one-third as likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease as | | | | researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center |
| those who ate fish least often. These studies provide | | | | (8th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease |
| compelling reasons to add at least one meal of fish | | | | and Related Disorders, July 25, 2002) found no |
| to your diet every week.What other foods should | | | | significant benefits from NSAIDS compared to a |
| you include? Olive oil is an especially valuable source | | | | placebo.What to AvoidSmokingA brand-new study, |
| of vitamin E and other anti-oxidants. I prefer the | | | | also reported in Stockholm (July 23, 2002) during the |
| extra virgin variety of olive oil for its milder taste. | | | | 8th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease |
| With a squeeze of fresh lime juice, olive oil makes a | | | | and Related Disorders, found that, among people |
| very pleasant salad dressing. And I've discovered that | | | | who do not have the gene that predisposes people |
| the more I use it, the more I like it.B VitaminsB | | | | to Alzheimer's disease, smoking is significantly related |
| vitamins, particularly folic acid and vitamin B-12, help | | | | to the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease. Yet |
| prevent Alzheimer's as well as a host of other | | | | another reason to stop smoking now!MercuryEven |
| diseases such as heart disease and stroke. A study | | | | small amounts of mercury may create the |
| from the National Institute on Aging found that mice | | | | neurofibrillar tangles (abnormal TAU proteins) that |
| fed a diet rich in folic acid were able to repair | | | | occur in Alzheimer's and related diseases according to |
| damage to the DNA of nerve cells in the | | | | research conducted at the University of Calgary |
| hippocampus (an area needed for memory and | | | | Faculty of Medicine. So I'll avoid silver/mercury tooth |
| learning). Foods rich in B vitamins whole grains, yeast, | | | | fillings. My mercury-filled thermometer now resides in |
| meat, low-fat dairy products, lentils and leafy | | | | the garbage can. The newer digital thermometers are |
| greens.Can't I just take a pill?B vitamins may not be | | | | easier, quicker, and safer to use.Other Benefits of a |
| readily absorbable from pills. Certainly, the supplement | | | | Nutritious DietA nutritious diet, combined with a |
| pills are better than nothing, but for good absorption | | | | healthy lifestyle may prevent or ameliorate many |
| by the body, vitamin B shots may be preferable. | | | | diseases related to aging. With a US growing |
| Vitamin E and fish oil capsules are readily absorbed, | | | | population now over 65+ (17 million+ according to the |
| so they should help. Check with your doctor or a | | | | latest US census), seniors with serious medical |
| nutritionist for correct dosages.Substituting Soy for | | | | problems may soon require more care than we can |
| Dairy productsSoy may have protective properties | | | | as a nation provide. We must do all we can to |
| and is a good source of B vitamins. I've known for | | | | eliminate the problems associated with aging. Then |
| years that ice cream gives me a stomach-ache. The | | | | the golden years may be truly golden. |
| problem is that I'm an ice cream junkie, a dairy | | | | |