Mental/Brain Exercises that help?

TallyBart

My father just got an official diagnosis of Alzheimers. Dr would not assess a stage but he's still pretty independent, short term memory is bad, but functions well.  Are there any type of brain games/exercises etc that help try to keep the brain sharp?  I mentioned it to the Doctor and he pretty much said its a waste of time. Any thoughts/experiences on this?

Thanks for any insight. 

jfkoc

M1

Hi Tally, your doctor is correct, studies have not shown any benefit to any kind of "brain exercises" in either disease prevention or slowing progression.  Unfortunately neither have diet, exercise, or any kinds of vitamins or supplements.  Healthy practices are recommended in a general sense (in part to lower risk of vascular disease also), but none are definitively shown to prevent disease or stop progression.  Kinda sad!!

Iris L.

Lifestyle habits such as Best Practices may prolong the early stages for some PWDs.  As my geriatrician explained it to me, the disease may continue in the background, but the patient can function longer.  Although I don't have Alzheimer's Disease, I have found this concept to be true in my case.  Following Best Practices is helping me still live independently cognitively although I struggle every day.  Would I be functioning at this same level without Best Practices?  I doubt it, and I don't want to risk it!

In regards to PWDs who do have Alzheimer's Disease, following Best Practices, including use of the memory medications, may enable the patient to remain at home in the community and be cared for by family members, for a longer period of time.  There is no way to know without a trial of following.  

Following Best Practices is not a cure but one of the tools of treatment.  Best Practices also includes avoidance of stress and getting restful sleep, and anything else that is beneficial to brain health.  

Iris L.

TallyBart

Iris

Thank you for your reply. I'm new to this so please forgive me if I'm asking an obvious question I should already know. But here goes....what are the best practices that you are referring to? I'd really like to look into those whatever they are.

Thank you 

Bart

TallyBart

Thank you

Iris L.

Tally, Best Practices are lifestyle habits that might be healthful for everyone, but have been shown to be especially beneficial for brain health and cognition.  These Practices include:

--taking medications as prescribed--these may be the memory medications or medications for other medical conditions, such as medications to control blood pressure, for example

---eating the Mediterranean diet, including fruits snd vegetables for sntioxidants, fish and nuts for omega 3 fats; occasional red wine is acceptable if desired.  

---exercise to tolerance

---continue to stimulate the brain with activities and new learning

---continue to socialize

As I mentioned above, avoid stress and agitation, get restful sleep.  Consider alternative therapies if interested.  Keep in mind that management of the environment is very important--keep it simple.

There are books that go into detail about all of the above.  What is heart-healthy is generally brain-healthy.  

Best Practices are most beneficial in the early stages.  You can look at the "stages of Alzheimer's" to see what stage your dad is in.  Also, read about instrumental ADLs and provide support where necessary.  Check his refrigerator, use of the stove, his bill paying and his driving, in person.  Don't just ask him how he is doing.  He won't know.

There is also a variation diet called the MIND diet.  You can read about that.

Iris

TallyBart

Iris

Thank you very much for taking the time to explain this to me. It is appreciated more than you know. 

Warmest regards

Bart