Make a Recommendation Monday [6/15/2020]: TED Talk about Alzheimer's disease.
But first, I'd like to recognize that today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Please take today to educate yourself about elder abuse (check back on two previous posts last week), and even more importantly, check in with the older adults in your life. Even in a time where physical distancing is encouraged, you can still check in! And lastly, the hotline for PA to report elder abuse is 1-800-490-8505.
Back to the recommendation for today. As it is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, the recommendation today is related to Alzheimer's disease. It is a TED Talk by Lisa Genova titled "What you can do to prevent Alzheimer's."
(Photo credit: Screenshot of TED Talk by LIsa Genova, 4/2017)
What is Alzheimer's disease?
"Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks." (National Institute on Aging, May 2019). It is a form of dementia, arguably the most common form.
The disease is named after the doctor who discovered/identified the disease, Dr. Alois Alzheimer. Dr. Alzheimer performed an autopsy on a female patient in 1906 after she passed away. Prior to her death, the patient was exhibiting symptoms such as memory loss, problems with her language, and unpredictable behavior.
The TED Talk by Lisa Genova is a great, short way to better understand the disease. She also provides some hope related to prevention or a risk reduction for people worried about developing Alzheimer's. Although it currently appears it is irreversible, there has been a large amount of discussion about reducing your risk for it! Dr. Genova discusses things like healthy sleep habits, healthy diet/exercise, and continued learning. The last one, she says, is more than keeping your mind busy. People must seek out new information even if it is about a topic you already know some things about. Think of it like taking a new route to your favorite restaurant or store. Sure, you'll end up there but you'll create new connections along the way. That way, if one of those roads closes or has construction, you can still get to your store/restaurant. This means reading new books, magazines, or Facebook pages (like this one?) watching educational films/videos, or learning new things about those around you are all daily strategies you can engage in regardless of your risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
If you'd like more information about Alzheimer's disease or would like to see how you can contribute to charities related to it: NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center 1-800-438-4380 (toll-free) adear@nia.nih.gov www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers The National Institute on Aging’s ADEAR Center offers information and free print publications about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias for families, caregivers, and health professionals. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources.
OR www.alz.org
Link to TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/…/lisa_genova_what_you_can_do_to_preven…
Thank you for reading and please share with family and friends who may find this helpful!
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