According to some facts that I learned at the dinner with Dr. Jones the other evening, 90% of elderly patients with Alzheimers started off having moderate to severe depression. In otherwords, before there was an Alzheimers diagnosis, there were symptoms, if not a full clinical diagnosis of Depression. I think this is a significant finding, and the first that I heard of it. I feel my mother had depression for several years, but it was never diagnosed until a few years ago. It is commonly known that Vitamin D (Sun) is necessary for health and well-being, particularly for mood. But now they have found a strong link to brain health. Most doctors, both in mainstream and alternative medicine are recommending Vitamin D be taken every day, year around. I'm on the bandwagon and taking it religiously, and I'm not even religious!
I'm sure most people would agree that it's not really shocking to see a connection between depression and alzheimers, but I bet it will make people take "being happy" a little more seriously. And, instead of waiting until some day....next week .......next year....., more people will seize the moment, and be grateful for each and every day and not waste time on "someday", and be happy NOW. It gives a whole new meaning to "don't worry, be happy!" So if you don't like that job, that wife, that extra weight, or the town your living in, either learn to love and accept things the way they are, or save your brain and make the change. Creating a life you Love will certainly improve the quality of your life, and it could increase the amount of years you will know you have a life you Love. Take out that old photo album. You might just discover that you've actually been living a fabulous life, but that you just forgot!
Oh, did I mention the importance of having a sense of humor when dealing with Alzheimer's patients? Mandatory on this journey especially. Though I highly recommend taking it with you on any journey. That with the daily dose of Vitamin D and creating a life you love, we just might make it to the end with our memories, personalities, and a few good friends! What else can you ask for? Chocolate, wine and potato chips. Happiness!!!
In today's...?...yesterday's...(yikes!) Philadelphia Inquirer there was a great story about a group of physicians in California who are looking at the links between childhood stress (mostly linked with poverty), abuse, depression and illness (in particular asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, among others).
ReplyDeleteThey have created a clinic that rates each patient according to a stress index and then treats them with family counseling, relaxation, diet, and lifestyle support, as well as traditional medication if needed.
One wonders if mom's alzheimer's dx might have been abated with treatment of her depression.
I wonder too. I'm thinking it is a much more complex cause then what doctors and researchers have come up with so far. Because it is afflicting so many people... I think it is a combination of a lot of things. Some things help, some things hinder. Diet, exercise, happiness, healthy gut flora, limited alcohol, low stress, self love, and others to love. And...no head injuries.
ReplyDeleteMom went down hill after she had that fall and hit her head!!!