Posts Tagged ‘Aging’

Want a boost? Read a book!

Saturday, July 28, 2018 @ 09:07 AM  posted by Dr. Siders

It’s probably no surprise that reading is generally good for you. But what about reading fiction?

This article doesn’t go into the research in depth, but it does contain some surprising research facts about the benefits of reading, including comparing reading fiction to reading non-fiction. (Hint: fiction has benefits!)

Read the news article to encourage yourself to read more books!

https://www.nbcnews.com/better/pop-culture/why-getting-lost-book-so-good-you-according-science-ncna893256

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A Link Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Sugar?

Saturday, January 27, 2018 @ 07:01 PM  posted by Dr. Siders

As you begin working on your goals for the new year, consider making healthy changes to your diet.  For many people in America, reducing sugar and simple carbohydrates is a good idea.  Here’s another reason why.  Studies suggest there may be a link between Alzheimer’s disease and the way our bodies process sugar and simple carbohydrates.  For some motivation to eat healthier, take a look at this article:

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/01/the-startling-link-between-sugar-and-alzheimers/551528/

If you are serious about changing your diet, consider these helpful tips:

1. Instead of trying to cut something completely out of your diet, replace undesired components with desired ones.  For example, instead of avoiding pasta, try eating “pasta” sliced from fresh vegetables, like curls of squash.

2. Experiment with “paleo” recipes to substitute good fats for carbs.

3. Make small changes that you can continue for the long term.  Attempts to make radical changes to your diet are more likely to only last a short time.

Happy new year!  I hope the changes you make help you feel your personal best!

 

 

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Question:  As a physician, I use an in-house test for Alzheimer’s disease.  Why would I need to refer a patient for neuropsychological testing?

Many physicians use the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) or similar brief screening measures when a patient or patient’s family members bring up memory concerns.  However, physicians may consider referring a patient to neuropsychological testing for many reasons, including the following:

  • The MMSE test is not very sensitive, missing between 23 and 55 percent of Mild Cognitive Impairment, which can be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease or other neurodegenerative disorders
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Memory Problems: Normal Aging, or Something Else?

Tuesday, June 30, 2015 @ 07:06 AM  posted by Dr. Siders

We can all think of times when we could just not remember something that seemed so simple.  It is well known that some age-related memory decline is normal.  In fact, there are some areas of brain functioning that can begin to decline as early as age 25.  Sometimes, a memory failure can be scary.  Is it a sign of early Alzheimer’s disease or some other problem, or is it just a “senior moment?”  Is an evaluation needed?

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