How A Healthy Lifestyle Protects Memory

Scientists who study memory and other cognitive functions like to say that what's good for the body is good for the brain, too, and proof for that axiom continues to grow.

A wealth of research shows that people who eat right, stay trim, and follow other well-established healthy habits have the best shot at remaining sharp-witted as they grow older.

Recently, several clinical trials have provided even more powerful evidence that adopting a healthy lifestyle can protect your brain and reduce the risk for age-related cognitive problems.

The FINGER Study

A number of population studies have found that people who engage in regular exercise, eat a healthful diet, and keep mentally active (with mentally challenging activities, for instance) have a reduced risk for cognitive decline.

But an association between a behavior and a health outcome doesn't prove that one causes the other. For that level of evidence, scientists conduct clinical trials, randomly choosing one group of participants to receive a therapy or other intervention, then comparing their outcomes with other study participants who don't receive the treatment being studied.

To determine whether healthy habits truly benefit the brain, a team of scientists in Finland set up an experiment called the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (abbreviated as FINGER), which they reported on in The Lancet in 2016.

The study included 1,260 men and women aged 60 to 77 who were generally healthy, though many had risk factors closely linked to dementia, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which may both be improved through diet changes and exercise.

At the outset of the study, all subjects had their memory and other cognitive skills tested, and only those whose scores were average or slightly below average were invited to participate.

Half of the FINGER subjects were enrolled in a comprehensive program of lifestyle changes. They were encouraged to eat a healthful diet that included plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, but avoid sugary treats and artery-clogging fats.

Men and women in the active treatment group were asked to follow fitness regimens that included both aerobic exercise (such as walking or jogging) and strength training. They were also required to use computer-based cognitive-training programs three times a week.

The other half of the subjects in the FINGER study were given basic health advice and served as a control (or comparison) group.

After two years, all FINGER participants took a second battery of cognitive tests. Men and women who adopted lifestyle changes showed a 25 percent improvement in memory and other thinking abilities compared to subjects in the control group.

According to the authors, the FINGER study is the first long-term clinical trial to show that lifestyle changes can help prevent cognitive decline.

Obesity and other risk factors

In another 2016 study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Brazilian researchers focused specifically on the role of obesity, which studies have linked to an increased risk for dementia.

The authors of this study recruited 80 obese people aged 60 and older who had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, which is a subtle, but noticeable age-related decline in thinking ability, and another known risk factor for dementia. Could shedding some pounds help protect these men and women from memory loss and other cognitive woes?

To find out, the researchers randomly chose half of the participants to receive weight-loss advice from a nutrition counselor. After one year, participants who lost even a modest amount of weight showed improvements in their overall cognitive capacities, ability to recall words, language skills, and executive function (or ability to focus attention and multi-task).

In addition to eating well and staying fit, keeping your brain busy may help stave off the loss of mental acuity, too, according to some studies, though most were small and the benefits of cognitive training remain controversial. On the other hand, one recent trial found evidence that seniors who become socially engaged may improve brain health.

As part of the ongoing Brain Health Study, researchers from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on the brains of 111 men and women aged 60 and older.

Next, about half of the subjects were assigned to work as volunteer tutors and teachers' aides in inner city kindergartens and elementary schools. The remaining men and women acted as a control group.

Two years later, a follow-up set of MRIs showed that men and women in the control group had experienced slight shrinking in several brain regions, including the hippocampus; loss of volume in the hippocampus has been linked to memory problems and an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. Meanwhile, men and (to a lesser extent) women volunteers who worked in schools showed increased volume in this important brain region.

What you can do

There's plenty of proof that the same steps that reduce the risk for common diseases can also help keep your mind sound and functioning at a high level.

A major 2015 review by the Alzheimer's Association found convincing evidence that you can reduce the risk for age-related cognitive decline, and possibly dementia, by exercising regularly and taking steps to curb cardiovascular risk factors. That means watching your weight, avoiding or managing diabetes and high blood pressure, and not smoking.

Consuming a healthful diet and staying mentally engaged through learning may help, too.

There's really no downside to habits, so the only question that remains is: What are you waiting for?

(Source:  HealthAfter50)

Xanax, Valium May Boost Pneumonia Risk in Alzheimer's Patients

Researchers suspect people may breathe saliva or food into their lungs due to fatigue from the drugs

Alzheimer's patients given sedatives such as Valium or Xanax may have an increased risk for pneumonia, a new study warns.

People with Alzheimer's disease are often given these drugs, called benzodiazepines, over the long term, the researchers said.

Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).

"An increased risk of pneumonia is an important finding to consider in treatment of patients with Alzheimer disease. Pneumonia often leads to admission to hospital, and patients with dementia are at increased risk of death related to pneumonia," Dr. Heidi Taipale, of Kuopio Research Center of Geriatric Care at the University of Eastern Finland, and co-authors wrote.

For the study, the researchers reviewed data from nearly 50,000 Alzheimer's patients in Finland. The patients' average age was 80 and about two-thirds were women.

The study found that people with Alzheimer's who took benzodiazepines were 30 percent more likely to develop pneumonia than those who weren't given the sedatives.

The risk of pneumonia was highest in the first 30 days after starting the drugs, the findings showed.

The researchers said their findings are consistent with previous studies.

Because benzodiazepines are sedating, it's possible that people taking them may breathe saliva or food into the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia, the study authors suggested.

Dr Heidi Taipale's team said the benefits and risks of these drugs -- including pneumonia -- need to be carefully considered before giving them to someone with Alzheimer's disease.

The study was published April 10 in the CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

The study is "a good reminder to clinicians to 'first do no harm' when prescribing these drugs for frail older women and men with dementia. Non-drug "approaches should be the starting point when managing neuropsychiatric symptoms in this patient population, which should help to limit inappropriate use of these drugs," the editorial authors said.

(Source:  HealthDay News, 10 April 10 2017) 

Cracking the Coconut Oil Craze

(Source:  Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter, 10 April 2017)

If you Google “coconut oil,” you’ll see a slew of stories touting the alleged health benefits of this solid white fat, which is easy to find in supermarkets these days. But how can something that’s chock-full of saturated fat — a known culprit in raising heart disease risk — be good for you?

Coconut does have some unique qualities that enthusiasts cite to explain its alleged health benefits. But the evidence to support those claims is very thin, says Dr. Qi Sun, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“If you want to lower your risk of heart disease, coconut oil is not a good choice.  It’s true that coconut oil tends to raise beneficial HDL cholesterol more than other fats do, possibly because coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a fatty acid that the body processes slightly differently than it does other saturated fats.”, he said.

Coconut Oil’s Effect On Cholesterol 

But there’s no evidence that consuming coconut oil can lower the risk of heart disease, according to an article in the April 2016 Nutrition Reviews. The study, titled “Coconut Oil Consumption and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Humans,” reviewed findings from 21 studies, most of which examined the effects of coconut oil or coconut products on cholesterol levels. Eight were clinical trials, in which volunteers consumed different types of fats, including coconut oil, butter, and unsaturated vegetable oils (such as olive, sunflower, safflower, and corn oil) for short periods of time. Compared with the unsaturated oils, coconut oil raised total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol levels, although not as much as butter did.

These findings jibe with results from a study by Dr. Sun and colleagues in the November 23, 2016, issue of The BMJ, which examined the links between different types of saturated fatty acids and heart disease. Compared with other saturated fats (like palmitic acid, which is abundant in butter), lauric acid didn’t appear to raise heart risk quite as much. But that’s likely because American diets typically don’t include very much lauric acid, so it’s harder to detect any effect, Dr. Sun notes.

Tropical Diets Are Different 

Coconut oil proponents point to studies of indigenous populations in parts of India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Polynesia, whose diets include copious amounts of coconut. But their traditional diets also include more fish, fruits, and vegetables than typical American diets, so this comparison isn’t valid, says Harvard Medical School Professor Dr. Bruce Bistrian, who is chief of clinical nutrition at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Some of the coconut oil available in stores is labeled “virgin,” meaning that it’s made by pressing the liquid from coconut meat and then separating out the oil. It tastes and smells of coconut, unlike the refined, bleached, and deodorized coconut oil made from the dried coconut meat used in some processed foods and cosmetics. Virgin coconut oil contains small amounts of antioxidant compounds that may help curb inflammation, a harmful process thought to worsen heart disease. But to date, proof of any possible benefit is limited to small studies in rats and mice, says Dr. Bistrian.

Unsaturated Fats 

In contrast, there’s a wealth of data showing that diets rich in unsaturated fat, especially olive oil, may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, Dr. Sun points out. The evidence comes not only from many observational studies (like those in the aforementioned BMJ report) but also a landmark clinical trial from Spain, which found that people who ate a Mediterranean-style diet enhanced with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts had a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from heart disease than people who followed a low-fat diet.

Of course, there’s no need to completely avoid coconut oil if you like the flavor. Some bakers use coconut oil instead of butter in baked goods, and coconut milk is a key ingredient in Thai cooking and some Indian curry dishes. Just be sure to consider these foods occasional treats, not every day fare.

18 & 19 FEB17 - ADFM Dementia Care Skills (DCS) Training for Family Caregivers

ADFM will be conducting another DCS training session for family caregivers and their care workers on 18 February and 19 February 2017.

This Dementia Care Skills (DCS) Training, covers one and a half day of  interactive and observed learning through video play, dynamics group activities and sharing of experiences, is intended to provide family caregivers (and their care workers) to acquire a better understanding of dementia and empower them to support their loved ones / persons living with Alzheimer’s dementia, using the person-centered care approach.

                                      

Learning Outcome:

·   Understanding what is dementia, the causes and symptoms;

·   Understanding the principles of person-centered care;

·   Acquiring communication skills to interact effectively with people with dementia;

·   Recognizing and respond to behaviours that may be exhibited by people with dementia;

·   Understanding the importance of engagement through activity for the person with dementia;

·   Developing self-care strategies to manage work-related stress.

Program

Venue:  ADFM PJ Day-Care Centre, No. 6 Lorong 11/8E, Seksyen 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya
Date/Day	Time	Training Module	ADFM Facilitator
Day 1 - 18 February	0830-0900 0900-1030 1030-1045 1045-1230 1230-1300 1300-1430 1430-1630	Registration / Tea & Coffee Module 1:  Nature of Dementia Refreshment Module 2 – Impact of Dementia / PCC LUNCH Module 3 – Effective Communication Module 4 – Behavioral & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)	Dr Khor Hui Min Helen Ung Helen Ung Dr Khor Hui Min
Day 2 - 19 February	0830-0900 0900-1030 1030-1100 1100-1230	Registration / Tea & Coffee Module 5 – Purposeful & Meaningful Engagement Refreshment Module 6 -  Application to Care Practices	Satiapoorany Satiapoorany

For enquiries & registration: Email jenny@adfm.org.my or whatsapp 016 608 2513 / 03 7931 5850

No Registration Fee.  Compulsory Registration, providing:

(1) Full Name/s, (2) Mobile contact, (3) Email address, (4) Indicate family caregiver or care worker, and (5) To whom you are caring for.

Please Register Early for logistic arrangements.

Best wishes and kind regards.

JOIN the ADFM National Caregivers Support Network

Sign Up at:  http://admalaysia.ning.com

An online platform for Caregivers Community in Malaysia

To seek support, information, advice and share their journey of caregiving 

Johor Bahru 6 & 7 JAN17 - Dementia Care Skills (DCS) Training

 

To: All family Caregivers

Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) and Johor Bahru Alzheimer’s Disease Support Association (JOBADA), supported by Hospital Sultan Ismail Johor, will be conducting a Dementia Care Skills Training in Johor Bahru for Family Caregivers (and their care workers) caring for their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s dementia in Johor. 

This DCS Training comprising of 6 Modules are intended to provide family caregivers (and  their care workers) to acquire a better understanding of dementia in an experiential way and empower them to support their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s dementia using the person-centered care approach and focused on the following aspects:

(1)     Understanding what is dementia, the causes and symptoms;

(2)     Understanding the principles of person-centred care;

(3)     Acquiring communication skills to interact effectively with people with dementia;

(4)     Recognizing and responding to behaviors that may be exhibited by people with dementia;

(5)     Understanding the importance of engagement through activity for the person with dementia; and

(6)     Developing self-care strategies to manage work-related stress.

PROGRAM:  

Dementia Care Skills Training (DCS) on 6 & 7 January 2017 (Friday and Saturday) at Seminar Room 1 & 2 (Next to Auditorium), Hospital Sultan Ismail, Johor Bahru Jalan Persiaran Mutiara, Emas Utama, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Date	Time	Module	Facilitator
Day 1 6 January	0830-0900 0900-1030 1030-1230 1230-1400 1400-1530 1530-1700	Registration / Breakfast Module 1:  Nature of Dementia Module 2 – Impact of Dementia / Person-Centered Care LUNCH Module 3 – Effective Communication Module 4 – Behavioral & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)	Dr Goh Cheng Beh Dr Goh Cheng Beh Edwin Tay Dr Goh Cheng Beh
Day 2 7 January	0830-0900 0900-1030 1030-1230 1230	Registration / Breakfast Module 5 – Purposeful & Meaningful Engagement Module 6 -  Application to Care Practices LUNCH / END	Edwin Tay Edwin Tay

NO Registration Fees - Registrations are open to all family caregivers (and their care workers) who are advised to attend the 6 modules. Compulsory registration based on first-come-first basis.

Email your registration to: jobadajohor@gmail.com providing:

(1)    Full Name/s

(2)    Mobile contact

(3)    Email address

(4)    Indicate whether family caregiver, and

(5)    To whom you are caring for.

Any questions, please call   JOBADA at Tel: 07 222 4016    OR: SITA at 016 765 6857 

Please Register Early for logistic arrangements.

Best regards.

26NOV16 & 17DEC16 - DEMENTIA CARE SKILLS (DCS) TRAINING FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS / CARE WORKERS

Dear family Caregivers,

ADFM will be conducting the above Dementia Care Skills Training for Family Caregivers / Care Workers.

The DCS Training Sessions of 6 Modules are intended to provide family caregivers/care workers to acquire a better understanding of dementia and empower them to support their loved ones or people with dementia (PWD) using the person-centred care approach and focused on the following aspects:

(1)  Understand what is dementia, the causes and symptoms;

(2)  Understand the principles of person-centred care;

(3)  Acquire communication skills to interact effectively with people with dementia;

(4)  Recognize and respond to behaviours that may be exhibited by people with dementia;

(5)  Understand the importance of engagement through activity for the person with dementia; and

(6)  Develop self-care strategies to manage work-related stress.

Details for the one and a half day sessions which will be held in November and December are as follows:

Venue:     ADFM PJ Day-Care Centre (No. 6, Lorong 11/8E, Seksyen 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya) 

Saturday, 26 November 2016, 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Module 1: Nature of Dementia

Module 2: Impact of Dementia and Person Centred Care

Saturday, 17 December 2016, 9.00am to 4.00PM

Module 3: Effective Communication

Module 4: Behavioural & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Module 5: Purposeful and Meaningful Engagement

Module 6:  Application of Care Practices

The training will be conducted / facilitated by following ADFM Team of Trainers:

(1)  Geriatrician,  Dr Elizabeth Chong

(2)  Helen Ung 
(3)  Geriatrician, Dr Khor Hui Min

(4)  Leong Sik Wai

(5)  Satiapoorany d/o Subramaniam

(6)  Felix Kong

NO Registration Fees.  Registrations are now open to all family caregivers/care workers who are advised to register for the 6-module sessions scheduled on 26 November and 17 December 2016.

Email your registration to jennyho8@gmail.com / jenny@adfm.org.my, providing:

(1)    Full Name/s

(2)    Mobile contact

(3)    Email address

(4)    Indicate whether family caregiver or care worker, and

(5)    To whom you are caring for.

Any questions, please whatsapp or call Jenny at mobile -> 016 608 2513.

Please Register Early for logistic arrangements (No last minutes as seats are limited).

Best wishes and kind regards.

SAT / 12 NOV16 ADFM Caregivers Sharing Session on "Back Care and Client Mobility" by Physiotherapist, Tracy Chan

Dear Family Caregivers and Care Workers, 

ADFM has invited Ms Tracy Chan, a Physiotherapist with extensive clinical experience from Australia, who is back in Malaysia now, to facilitate a caregiver sharing session for this month of November, 2016.

Please take note that this session will NOT be a talk or lecture BUT a discussion problem solving session for family caregivers and care workers taking care of people with dementia and older adults; and facing mobility problems.

Topic:  "BACK CARE & CLIENT MOBILITY"

Day / Date:   Saturday, 12 November 2016

Time:   2.00 pm till 5.00pm

(Note:  Registration will start from 1.00pm. Please be seated 10 minutes before 2pm)

Venue:   ADFM PJ Day-Care Centre, No. 6, Lorong 11 / 8E, Seksyen 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

Brief Profile of Speaker/Facilitator: 

Tracy Chan, obtained her Bachelor of Applied Sciences  (Physiotherapy) from the Faculty of Health Sciences (Cumberland), University of Sydney, Australia and gained her on-job training experience in Australia.  She is registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (AHPRA) and an Associate Member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.  Tracy has been a speaker at ADFM national caregivers conference, workshops/seminars and public talks on safety and mobility management.  

Registration:

Prior registration is required for logistic arrangement. You can register via email to: jenny@adfm.org.my   or  whatSapp to: 016 6082513, providing full name, email address, mobile contact, and indicate whether a family caregiver or care worker. 

Any questions, kindly call Jenny at 016 608 2513.

All family caregivers for persons living with dementia and older adults are encouraged to make time to attend this November Sharing Session.

Kind regards. 
ADFM National Caregivers Support Network