A major key to aging well is exercise of some type, not necessarily a gym, but housework or gardening for at least 45 mins a majority days of the week can be of benefit. New studies suggest adults that are not socially isolated – those with family or friends close by or other meaningful relationships like children, grandchildren etc. tend to do better than older adults who are socially isolated.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT CAN AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO AGE WELL?
Adults with chronic disease such as diabetes, hypertension, those who smoke or are morbidly obese BMI (Body Mass index) over 35.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA?
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia and the most common kind in the United States. However, dementia can be caused by vascular reasons (e.g. stroke) or Parkinson-related dementia.
HOW CAN YOU DETERMINE DEMENTIA FROM NORMAL AGING AND FORGETFULNESS?
Dementia must involve both memory and decline in function. Examples would be impaired memory (repetitive questions, getting lost while driving etc.) and decline in one’s ability to balance a checkbook or suddenly cannot use electronic device or forgets how to bath or dress oneself. Normal aging may involve occasional difficulty recalling names, places, etc. but likely with time can remember.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF DEMENTIA?
Getting loss while driving to a familiar spot. Love ones or friends noticing in a short time span that someone is asking repetitive questions. Someone who always managed the finances and all of sudden is bouncing checks.
WHEN SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR LOVED ONE SCREENED FOR DEMENTIA?
If any of the signs above are noted, you should take the patient to primary care doctor or Geriatrician if one is in the area.
WHAT ARE SOME PREVENTATIVE OPTIONS FOR DEMENTIA?
Research studies only show two things that are preventive activities: (1) Exercise majority days of the week, at least 4 days, for at least 30 mins of aerobic resistance training has been shown to be protective. (2) According to one study, learning another language later in life can be protective from dementia.
Dr. Graham answers your aging questions on the next pages:
Can a person with uncontrolled diabetes reverse dementia?
Dementia once diagnosed is not reversible, but controlling ones diabetes is always good for one’s general health.
Does not getting enough sleep contribute to dementia?
Sleep is very important for brain health. I cannot necessarily cite a study that shows a direct link between not enough sleep and Dementia but getting adequate sleep is beneficial to the brain.
Morning, Doc. How early in age can Dementia be detected?
Dementia can be diagnosed as early as in ones 50’s. More common in the Mid 70s-80s.
Is there any research that links certain types of food to dementia?
No specific foods but evidence that a plant based diet can be beneficial for overall health.
My sister is showing signs. So geriatrician is the one to see?
A: If you cannot get your sister to a Geriatrician, a Primary care doctor( Family Medicine /Internal Medicine) could evaluate your sister.
What are the best supplements for dementia?
None of the supplements have been proven by research to be beneficial.
Does smoking marijuana cause dementia?
Smoking marijuana has been shown to effect short term memory
Doc what about cumulative effect of sleeping meds taken years ago? And any diet or supps with good chance of halting further loss of cognitive ability?
There is no evidence that sleeping aids can cause dementia and no evidence that supplements can halt dementia. Plant-based diets are helpful for general health benefits lower risk of diabetes and high blood pressure which can lower ones risk of dementia.
Is it true that trauma can bring on premature dementia? A friend developed it in his 30’s after a false arrest. He died.
Yes, any type of trauma to the head can put one at risk of dementia.
Good morning doctor, I am 52 and a couple of years ago I started having problems remembering words. I know what I want to say but I can’t remember the word. Is that something I should be concerned about?
I think that you should have a cognitive screening done by your primary care doctor. The test you would need are MMSE or MOCA.
Are there any advancements in finding a cure for dementia?
Unfortunately many people around the world are studying to find a cure but as of now no cure has been found.
My granddad is 89 and has dementia. Is it true that people with dementia sometimes act like a young kid?
Yes, people with dementia can become childlike as the disease advances. They sometimes will act out because they cannot express themselves the way the used to because of the disease.
My dad has lost his keys, cell phones and badge for work at least 20 times. He was always forgetful. His 82. Can you tell me if this could be a touch of Alzheimer? Thanks
If he is able to eventually find his keys, cell phone and badge it may be normal aging. However, having a cognitive evaluation by his primary care doctor or a geriatrician could be helpful.
Please ask the Doctor I if cussing is part of dementia? My husband was diagnosed with dementia back in 2013. He is so disrespectful on all levels!
Unfortunately, behavioral disturbances such as cursing and sometimes hitting can be a part of the disease. If it becomes a bigger problem, or if you feel unsafe, please see your doctor for help with managing these behaviors.
What can I do or eat to age well? I’m in my early 50s and I would like to know what to do as I go further in life?
Having a balanced diet along with aerobic exercise or resistance training 30-45 minutes majority days of the week (3-4 )have been found to be protective.
I wanted to ask the doctor or should I be tested? Sometimes when I’m driving, I forget where I’m going or I’m in a familiar place that I’ve driven to numerous times, but it doesn’t look familiar.
I think that would be definitely worth having an evaluation by your physician.
My dad ran every morning for at least 20 years and spoke 3 different languages and still suffered from Alzheimer’s during his last years = Are there any other tips for warding off the disease?
Unfortunately, sometimes even with all of the known preventive measures, people still develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Does dementia eventually cause physical problems, like the inability to walk or stand for 1 minute?
Yes, dementia does eventually cause issues with motor functions – examples include balance and walking.
Is it true that using deodorants high in aluminum can cause Alzheimer’s or dementia?
I have not seen any data/research to support that as a cause.
My mother-in-law has dementia and Parkinson’s. She has good memory but may possibly be in early stage of dementia. My question is. What stage of dementia causes a patient goes to the bathroom in herself? She is only 63.
Parkinson’s related dementia is different from Alzheimer’s dementia. Incontinence or the inability to control ones urine or feces is very common in advancing dementia.
My father has dementia – his mother, father and 2 of my aunts have it as well. Do I need to be worried?
I would have a cognitive screen done by your Physician and tell them of your extensive family history of dementia.
My mom died with dementia at 87 and she ate the same thing every day at the same time. I’m 56 and I have to do the same routine every day in the same order or I will forget something. If I have something to talk to my husband about I have to write it down or I will forget by the time I reach him. Do I need to be concerned?
My recommendation based on what you have said is that this is likely normal aging, but it would not be a bad idea to have cognitive testing done by your physician.
I have a question for the doctor. Is it true that women who give oral sex are less likely to have dementia when they get older??? [Editor’s note: What man came up with that one?]
No data to support that activity decreases ones chance of getting dementia.
My dad has dementia and he has episodes of manic behavior like ranting about money being stolen. He accuses me and my mom because we are the only ones in the house. When we tell him no one has stolen from him, he starts to get violent (shouting, throwing things, and cussing). What can we do to dispel this behavior? I’m afraid he may try to hurt my Mom while I’m at work. What can I do?
Paranoia and agitation are common behavioral problems associated with dementia. Please take him to see your physician primary care doctor or neurologist for help with managing his behaviors.
I have rheumatoid arthritis and wonder if this increases my risk of getting Alzheimer’s.
Some studies suggest that any pro inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid or diabetes can increase ones risk of Dementia but not any direct studies related to rheumatoid. However, keeping your rheumatoid arthritis under control can definitely help.
In 2015, a family member was diagnosed with MCI and is now taking Aricept. Is this the correct medication for MCI?
Yes, Aricept is the only medication indicated for MCI/mild to moderate dementia.
I had a doctor tell me that my mom’s dementia was probably caused by stroke is that possible?
Yes, dementia can be caused by a stroke. It is called vascular dementia but disease course is similar to Alzheimer’s disease.
Is forgetting childhood activities and childhood friends signs of dementia?
Not necessarily a sign, but if you feel that has become progressively worst in the last few years and you’re having other difficulty remembering things it may be worth seeing your physician and having a cognitive testing done.
Are there any foods that I can eat to prevent dementia?
There are no specific foods that help prevent dementia but a healthy majority plant-based diet is beneficial.
Lewy body is less common form of 3-5% of dementia cases in America
My ex-husband is a postal carrier. He was at work and he got his mail together to take out and forgot where to go. Later, he returned to office and the supervisor asked him why he brought the mail back and they got into an argument. He was suspended and was asked to see a doctor before returning to work!He has been on his job 18 Years! forgets his wallet, his cell phone!
He should be evaluated as soon as possible by a physician for dementia.
What are the percentage of my wife getting dementia if her mother and grandmother have it. My wife is diabetic and has high blood pressure.
Her risk is definitely increased because the strong family history and diabetes. Her risk is about 50 percent higher than someone who does not have her family history.
My mother’s mother and father had dementia. We have had her screened but she is able to fool the doctors. Is that possible?
A: If a person has a higher education level sometimes traditional cognitive testing is not as useful in detecting dementia. You could ask your physician if he would refer your mother to have neuropsych testing which a longer test but more sensitive test.
Our diets are main cause of dementia due to corn and soybeans. The Mediterranean diet is great but expensive. Lacking tocopherol and tocotrinolin in our diets is the leading cause. What do you think about that?
Plant-based diet are protective for general health. No specific diet is known at this time to prevent dementia.
Dr Graham, What are top 3 favorite anti-inflammatory foods for healthy brain?
Any leafy green vegetable, pomegranates or any foods high in antioxidants.
Can stress cause dementia? I have a stressful job and lately I’ve become more forgetful and catch myself putting things that should be in the fridge in the pantry. Dementia and Parkinson’s disease have been recently diagnosed in both my father and brother respectively…. so, this appears to be on my paternal side. Also… I am a 54-year-old female. I have found keys in the fridge, glasses on my head, and as a “very busy” teacher it sometimes takes a second to remember some students” names.
I think that the stress from your job is likely contributing to your memory lapse. If this persists, then see your physician for cognitive screening.
Dr. Antonio Graham, is a geriatrician at the Atlanta V.A. medical center and an assistant professor of medicine and geriatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Graham earned a bachelor of science in biology from Morehouse college, a master’s degree in neurobiology and physiology at Purdue university, and earned a doctorate in osteopathy at the Philadelphia college of osteopathic medicine.
He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of South Alabama Medical Center in mobile and a fellowship in geriatrics and gerontology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
You can find him on Instagram @geriagingexpert or on his website drantonioagraham.com.
