Why I am Writing My Memoirs

Editor’s Note: This article was prepared by La Verne Olsen for the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation a great example of how you can keep your mind active and sharp by doing something you enjoy. La Verne was available to discuss her passion and shared tips with everyone who attended the Tucson Memory Screening Day on Tuesday, November 17, 2009.

I didn’t intend to be a writer. In fact, I never wrote a thing after high school except letters to friends and, of course, the infamous Christmas Newsletter about all the goody things the family accomplished during the year.  I loved getting those newsletters.

But then, at the age of 73, after a lifetime of raising kids and now grandkids, I enjoyed a day at the zoo with six year old and four year old grandchildren.  A peacock followed us all over the zoo for most of the day.  We made the mistake of throwing him popcorn so we literally couldn’t get rid of him.

Exercise and Alzheimer’s Prevention

The second law of brain longevity reads, “What works for the heart works for the head.” That means that there are lifestyle measures which you can do to help your heart and memory as well.

At this moment in time, there is a lot of stress in our world and stress also affects negatively our general health, mind, mood, and memory. Stress can hurt your heart, causing high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes and, moreover, stress may also lead to memory loss.

Stress may cause a total disruption in your hormonal system, thus affecting your brain’s control center, the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and your adrenal glands. This leads to fatigue, immune system weakness, obesity, and diabetes.

Science Reveals the Anti Aging Benefits of Food

If you are like most people, you believe that your genes have predetermined just about everything about you. As you look in the mirror each morning perhaps you see your mother’s eyes or your father’s smile. You may also be convinced that your genes have already predetermined the illnesses you are destined to suffer.

In her book, Living Downstream, Dr. Sandra Steingraber describes her health challenges in living with bladder cancer. Because her mother, uncle, and grandfather had all died of various forms of cancer, many people who knew Sandra assumed that she had inherited cancer genes. They were not aware that Sandra had been adopted. Her cancer, she believed, was caused by exposure to environmental pollution as a child.

Food And Your Health

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine once said, “Let food be thy medicine.”

Can food help prevent memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses? I believe it can.

In fact, I believe that food is the original and best medicine. Today this idea has become one of the guiding principles of healthy living. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Every schoolchild knows that one. Beyond that, there are certain foods that activate our body’s natural healing force. When this takes place-when we eat specific foods in a carefully chosen way–we are able to prevent and heal scores of ailments safely and effectively.

Supplementing Your Brain

I’m quite fascinated and impressed by all the positive research coming out now about taking vitamins.  A new study reveals that vitamin takers do live longer. According to the research, just taking a multiple vitamin alone will increase your life span by as much as 5 years.

This study was really quite interesting. Even the name of it is cool: The Sister Study. 586 women between the ages of 35 and 74 were evaluated. The researchers also looked at those little genetic markers of longer life called telomeres. Vitamin takers increased telomeres as by 5%.

Why Taking Care of Your Brain is Just as Important as Taking Care of Your Body

I’ve just finished reading a pretty scientific article and want to share it with you. It highlights the importance of really focusing on taking care of your brain and not just your body.

New Study Proves Forgetfulness May Actually be an Early Warning Sign of Alzheimer’s Disease

Startling new research from a Mayo Clinic study shows forgetfulness may be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s Disease — and not just a symptom of aging.  

The Mayo Clinic study was organized by a group of researchers, including Dr. Walter Rocca. The study focused on tracking 1600 people who were in their 70s and 80s. The purpose of the study was to find what percentage of the participants would develop Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a disorder characterized by mild memory problems and other neurological issues.

The researchers were astounded by the study’s results.

Holistic Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Strategies You Can Start Today

For Alzheimer’s, prevention is the best medicine. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet to cure this dreaded disease.

That’s why a holistic Alzheimer’s disease prevention strategy involving mind, body, nutrition, and stress — one that prevents cognitive decline and actually enhances mental capacity — is an excellent option.

Causes of Alzheimer’s: What’s Really Known Today

For years, the causes of Alzheimer’s disease have been somewhat of a mystery. Doctors and researchers have worked diligently to unlock the secrets of this complicated and devastating disease. Fortunately, significant advances have been made recently in understanding the causes of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s and Nutrition – What You Deserve to Know

There have been many studies recently linking Alzheimer’s and nutrition. More and more, the evidence overwhelmingly indicates that proper nutrition is essential to maintaining a healthy brain:  it plays a major role in cognition, memory, and various neurological disorders — including Alzheimer’s disease.