A recent
article the Benefits
of Yoga and Meditation for Alzheimer’s and Dementia stated that meditation
may delay the onset of dementia by 7 years. (Note: Be careful not to drop the
first “t” in meditation, as a co-author did, because the result, mediation,
will actually accelerate dementia for an equivalent period of time.) Now 7
years does not seem like a lot unless you are already in the senior citizen
group. Any reprieve from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is well worth the
effort.
Dementia,
according to Wikipedia, is a broad category of brain diseases that cause long term, usually gradual, decrease
in the ability to think and remember, of a degree great enough to affect a person's
daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60% to 70% of cases of dementia.[1][2] It is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gets
worse over time.[1][2]The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering
recent events (short-term memory loss). If you do not remember why you started
reading this blog, you may be a candidate.
The article extolls the virtues of yoga and meditation for
both the individual and caregiver to make life less stressful and more
fulfilling. Basically it is saying that you have to exercise your brain and
body to maintain your “youth”.
Practicing Yoga is an easy solution to avoid the sedentary
state that will eventually kill you. There are many forms of exercise but you
have to perform them religiously. Meditation is a way to control anger,
compulsions, and exercise your brain. There is a role for puzzles, games and
focused mindfulness.
Take a class and find out whether these strategies will work
for you. Medical science allows us to live longer, but preferably in an awake
and aware state.
Keep in mind that causes and cures for Alzheimer’s are
popping up daily. In the exercise category Pilates or TRX is likely as
effective as yoga. Not to mention
swimming, surfing, sailing, and other activities conducive to meditative
presence.
And if you get into the supplement category, there are far
too many, from omega oils, to various roots and herbs. And then there are the toxins, take aluminum
salts in some antacids.
It is sufficient to say that if you read this blog, and you
remember any of it, you don’t have to worry for a while.
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