Alzheimer’s and The Arts
Many people find it difficult to take the first steps necessary in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. Often the patient and/or the family do not want to admit that there is a problem. This denial can delay the process of dealing with the disease and obtaining the necessary help and support services. A timely diagnosis will allow caregivers and family members to plan for the disease process. Knowledge is power. It is important to learn about the disease and the resources available, to choose the appropriate health care professionals, and identify the medications that are available to slow the disease process.
As your parents and/or grandparents age, both you and they worry about dementia. Statistics can be frightening. One in every eight people over 65 has Alzheimer’s disease. An American is diagnosed with dementia every 20 seconds. There are drugs that can slow the progression of the disease for a few months or years, but ultimately Alzheimer’s is fatal.
We’ve also learned, interestingly enough, that a top recommendation is to dance! People who dance several times a week reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by an almost unbelievable 76%! This was confirmed in a number of studies conducted at both Mayo Clinic and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, and results were published in the illustrious New England Journal of Medicine. While the underlying reason remains unclear, scientists suspect a combination of aerobics and the necessity of relatively complex mental decisions helps to slow the progression of the disease. In fact, the significant impact of dancing on Alzheimer’s prevention is higher than for any other activity, whether physical, mental, or cognitive.
You may have heard, for instance, that doing crossword puzzles and board games reduces Alzheimer’s. Studies found that if you do them at least four times a week, they decrease the chances of Alzheimer’s by 47%. Reading regularly can reduce incidence by 35%. Other factors with less individual significance are common sense: quit smoking, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, eat a healthy diet, control diabetes, and stay socially involved.
You may be or have been in the circumstance to see firsthand the devastating impact for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease. You personally may even have been impacted! You or your organization may already be supporting the Alzheimer’s Walk in another location this year and we congratulate you!
If you are not, Strohschein Law Group is sponsoring a team this year to support research to end Alzheimer’s Disease. We see the impact with families as we help them navigate through the journey of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s and making difficult choices related to care, finances and legal concerns. Our team is walking in DeKalb on September 23rd (registration at 9am – walk at 10am) in Hopkins Park. We would love for you to join us, or would appreciate your thoughtful contribution. Just click on the link below to register or donate.
Thank you for your consideration. We would love to see you there!
Your Friends at Strohschein Law Group
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Suggestions in this blog have been collected from resources such as alz.org and corgenius.com.
Linda Strohschein
Attorney at Law
630-377-3241