The recent presentation about dementia treatment at Royal Oaks Community Center in Maryville, Tennessee was a success. The dementia treatment experts from the Memory T.E.A.M.S. (treatment, education, assessment, management, support) had great news about control of this dreaded disease.
We Don’t Have To Lose It
The best news about our memory is we don’t have to lose it. But, as with anything else in life that is worth keeping, we have to work at it. It takes time and effort that many would rather avoid. The payoff for doing those brain exercises (Sudoku, crossword puzzles, others), taking care of your hypertension and diabetes and maintaining social contacts is only part of the big picture. Preventing dementia or, at least, stalling its progression takes a comprehensive effort. But what gives you the biggest bang for the buck?
The Best Prevention
It’s simple. All you have to do is walk. Research has actually determined that walking 52 hours in a 25 week time frame is enough to help prevent dementia, although more is better. To get even better results we should do more high intensity exercising for 30 minutes three times a week. Those who attended the program asked about cycling, hiking, and other activities. All exercise counts. The key takeaway message is to do something regularly. And if you exercise with someone else, that’s even better. That helps cement the socialization aspect of dementia control.
The evidence keeps stacking up in favor of regular exercise. For years health care providers have preached the benefits: help prevent heart disease, reduce cholesterol, keep weight under control and help prevent disability. Now add to the list dementia prevention. If that doesn’t get you off the couch and moving then nothing will. Looks like a simple way to keep a whole host of problems under control and keep your mind sharp.
For more information see the blog post about the Memory Care T.E.A.M.S.
