Protect Your Brain from Dementia with This Simple Act
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During my 82-year-old mother’s visit with me, I observed her unconventional habits that highlighted the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on her brain. From stuffing candies and cookies in tissues in her pockets to using sharp comb teeth as makeshift dental floss, the signs were clear. Witnessing a loved one transform into a dependent figure resembling a toddler, prone to tantrums and needing constant supervision, is a heart-wrenching experience.
Heather Sandison, N.D., the author of “Reversing Alzheimer’s,” emphasizes that such challenging situations can serve as powerful motivation. As the founder of Solcere, a brain-health clinic, and Marama, a memory-recovery facility in San Diego, Sandison has guided individuals in adopting brain-friendly lifestyles after witnessing the effects of Alzheimer’s on their loved ones.
As per a study published in Nature Medicine, the incidence of dementia in the U.S. is projected to rise significantly, reaching 1 million cases by 2060 from 514,000 in 2020, primarily due to the aging baby boomer population. Moreover, women, who tend to live longer, face a 48% chance of developing dementia during their lifetime compared to 35% for men. Given these statistics, the likelihood of experiencing some form of cognitive decline as we age is high. To prepare for this possibility, my spouse and I have outlined care strategies and financial plans to ease the burden on our children in the future.
The Power of Writing for Brain Health
Since my childhood, I have turned to pen and paper to record my thoughts, set goals, and navigate life’s complexities. This practice, akin to storytelling as a means to navigate existence, has been a source of comfort and clarity for me, much like it was for Joan Didion.
Recent scientific research suggests that the act of handwriting offers unique brain-protective advantages. A study published in January 2024 in Frontiers in Psychology found that handwriting stimulated more brain areas compared to typing, promoting low-frequency synchronous brain waves crucial for learning and memory. Dr. Audrey van der Meer, a neuropsychology professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the study’s author, explains that the sensory and motor coordination involved in handwriting enhance brain function.
Another study from 2016 published in The Journals of Gerontology revealed that journal writing reduced the risk of all-cause dementia by over 50%. Additionally, using complex language in writing was associated with a 25% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The act of handwriting engages multiple senses and motor skills, fostering brain stimulation and cognitive health.
As I witness my mother’s decline due to dementia, writing has become a lifeline for me. During a recent family trip, I diligently documented our experiences, hoping to preserve memories that may fade
I have transformed my daily activity catalogs into handwritten letters addressed to a “future me,” serving as tangible instructions for my adult children in case I face memory loss. Each letter in the series confronts harsh truths.
Regarding Dementia:
Acknowledging the reality of being in the grips of dementia, I envision the struggle of being trapped in a mind that struggles with comprehension and logic. It’s understandable to feel scared and act out of character, hence the necessity for skilled, around-the-clock assistance. Despite reassurances from your children, the burden is real and not to be dismissed.
Other letters tackle various aspects of the disease:
On Personal Hygiene:
Recognizing the discomfort, yet emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal hygiene through bathing and using deodorant, even if it’s a challenging task.
On Confusion About the Deceased:
Addressing the confusion surrounding deceased individuals, whether mistaking them for being alive or vice versa, and the understanding and forgiveness that accompanies such lapses in memory.
While some letters express the harsh reality that improvement may not come, there is also a focus on cherishing and documenting cherished memories. For instance, a memory of my mother joyfully singing Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” during a car ride with my children, capturing a moment of shared laughter and connection.
The ultimate goal is to create a personal archive to preserve memories of myself and my loved ones for my family to cling to should I start to fade away.
A Road Map for the Future
The development of Alzheimer’s disease begins decades before its cognitive symptoms become apparent. Despite this, there are many factors within our control, as emphasized by Caldwell. A report from 2024 in The Lancet identified 14 modifiable factors that can lower the risk of dementia, such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and nurturing strong social connections.
Caldwell underscores the importance of challenging your brain, stating that relying on technology over personal learning and memory can hinder the opportunity to strengthen neural pathways, generate new neurons, and safeguard brain health. Taking a proactive stance, I have chosen to rely on my own cognitive abilities rather than digital devices for tasks like navigation, calculations, and information retrieval. Additionally, I prioritize a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and blueberries, engage in daily exercise, practice meditation, and maintain good oral hygiene. Writing is also a key part of my routine.
While I am diligent in my efforts to protect my brain health, I understand that there are no guarantees. To prepare for any eventuality, my husband and I are transparent with our children about my mother’s decline, to help them understand what the future may hold for us and how to navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s if it arises in our family.
I aspire for my children never to have to read the letters I’ve penned, and I trust that the measures I am taking now will safeguard my cognitive well-being in the years to come. However, should things not go as planned, I see writing as a form of healing — not just for myself, but also for my children.
For additional reading, check out:
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– The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
