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LINKS: ....Bird Flu Info ....Your Memory Enhancer ....Neurotech ....Success Tips ....Free How to prevent Alzheimers and senile dementiaThursday, 15 September 2005Reporter: Jodie van de Wetering Presenter: Wayne Shearman Getting older is a joy, with creaking knees and greying hair - but for many people, the most frightening aspect of getting old is the spectre of Alzheimers Disease, and senile dementia. Alzheimers Australia has released a seven-step program called Mind your Mind to minimize the risk of developing the degenerative disease. Most of the steps are based on things our doctors have been telling us to do for years. The first step is to Mind your Brain, and keep the grey matter working as you move into middle age. That doesn¡¯t necessarily mean you need to become a Rhodes Scholar, but it does mean doing things like crosswords or sudoku puzzles, reading or maybe learning a new skill ? be it internet banking, cross stitch or underwater welding. Hand in hand with keeping your brain alert is the next step, Mind your Head. It might sound like a flashback to the psychedelic years, but it¡¯s actually about protecting your noggin. Research has proven that those who¡¯ve suffered serious head injuries ? such as a blow leading to concussion or unconsciousness ? are more likely to develop cognitive disorders in old age. It¡¯s also important to Mind your Health Checks as you age. Through being aware of your health, and managing problems like high cholesterol or excess weight, you¡¯ll be physically healthier ? and that includes your brain. And that includes the next step to preventing Alzheimers, Mind your Diet. There¡¯s no magic food that will prevent dementia, but by following a sensible balanced diet you¡¯ll reduce your risk ? and you might even lose a bit of paunch into the bargain! But that doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t enjoy yourself ? the occasional chocolate, stubby of beer or glass of wine might even do you good. Mind your Habits looks at just that ? keeping the alcohol, cigarettes or other destructive activities under control. If you quit smoking, you could reduce your risk of dementia ? plus you¡¯ll save a considerable amount of money, and smell nicer! If you consider your body a temple the next step, Mind your Body, won¡¯t be hard at all. As well as giving up the ciggies, Mind your Body means getting some healthy exercise, and remaining active. If a hearty jog¡¯s not quite your thing, why not try getting more ¡°incidental exercise¡± ? park further away from the shops, take the stairs instead of the lift, and take the plates over to the sink one at a time instead of stacking them up. Or you might try a yoga class, water aerobics or even the gym ? which brings us to the last step, Mind your Social Life. Some research shows people who remain social butterflies as they age ? staying in touch with friends and family and making new acquaintances ? are more likely to remain cognitively healthy. It could be as simple as a smile to a passer-by or a chat with a fellow dog-walker in the park. HOME...... Brain Food LINKS: ....Medical Dictionary ....Stress Management ....Allergy Info |