A reader asks about dementia
I am scared of developing Alzheimer’s,” says T, 72, the founder of a food business. “My memory is decaying and I don’t have a qualified successor. I wanted my daughter to inherit the business, but she and her husband went abroad. My son, who still lives with me, is not married, and does not know what to do with his life. I am thinking of selling the business. But my real question is: how can I prevent dementia?”
My reply
I am sorry to hear about your health and business succession concerns. It is wise to explore various options for the business—including selling it—but discuss this with your daughter and your son. Your collective decision has to be based on reason, not on emotion.
As for Alzheimer’s or other dementia disorders, at this point, science does not have a cure. I assume you are under the care of neurologist/s, and I am certain they told you that. Since I am not a medical doctor, show your doctor/s this column.
According to research, dementia cannot be prevented, particularly if you are aging or if you have a family history. But studies show that with proper habits, dementia can hopefully be delayed. The best strategy is nutrition and exercise.
Our brain accounts for only two or three percent of our body weight, but it uses 20 to 25 percent of our oxygen supply, and in doing so, it generates free radicals that can harm us. Antioxidants can counter free radicals. Even though some doctors do not believe in supplements—they prefer that we eat our required intake of fruits and vegetables—for various reasons (pollution, stress, etc.), no one I know has a perfect diet. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and coenzyme Q can help in cognition (and in the case of the latter, also in heart health).
Alzheimer’s disease is brought about by tau protein tangles, and studies show that the polyphenol oleocanthal from extra virgin olive oil may inhibit these.
And unless you are prone to heart palpitations or gastrointestinal issues, drink a cup of coffee daily. “Coffee is an ally against brain aging,” says Hara Estroff Marano, former editor in chief of Psychology Today. “It doesn’t just improve alertness and reaction time; among its hundreds of bioactive compounds besides caffeine are polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid and lignans, known to reduce oxidative stress. Caffeine itself has been shown to improve long-term memory and reduce lipid peroxidation in the brains of the elderly. Studies show it also boosts that brain’s antioxidant defense system.”
Exercise, particularly aerobic activity such as walking and swimming, are good for the heart and the brain. Some of my friends who are nearing retirement swear by tai-chi, while others play golf (and walk on the course rather than ride the carts).
An essential strategy is to exercise your brain. Old-age homes in the United States famously encourage residents to do Sudoku and crossword puzzles, to good effect. Travel is stimulating, and can serve as motivation to learn a new language. If this sounds daunting, then learn new computer skills from your grandchildren, even if they live abroad. Join a book club and discuss learnings with friends, since research shows that lively conversation and social interaction work wonders for physical and mental health.
Why do these activities help stave off dementia? Stimulating environments increase the activity of brain cells (neurons), and promote the development of neuronal connections and wiring of circuits. “Even in those with the pathological hallmarks of dementia, [these] can sometimes rescue brain cells from the disruption brought about by the accumulation of toxic proteins,” says Marano.
This also means that as long as you can, continue working in the family business, especially if it is a “cognitively demanding occupation.” You can put off retirement—or if you decide to retire, ensure that your life continues to be filled with purpose and drive.
Tell your son (who may inherit cognitive problems from your family) that “cognitive effort, especially when begun young, is the most effective inducer of cognitive resilience.” Marano adds, “It can even keep some people functioning well despite neurodegenerative disease.” God bless.
Queena N. Lee-Chua is on the Board of Directors of Ateneo’s Family Business Center. Get her print book “All in the Family Business” at Lazada or Shopee, or e-book at Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks. Contact the author at [email protected].
