Rosalynn Carter had it Right!
According to Rosalynn Carter, former first lady of the US, there are only four kinds of people in the world: "those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers." As a decades-long champion for the rights of US caregivers, Carter knows what she is talking about.
The number one greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer's is AGE. We are now living longer, thereby increasing our risk of getting this dreaded disease.
All is not doom and gloom though, there are things we can do to minimize our risk of developing dementia.
Would you like to know a few ways to reduce your odds of getting dementia?
I'm assuming you said "YES!"
By now, you know how I am. No messing around, let's get to the point and get there fast. Here are 4 great ways to lower your risk of Dementia.
#1) Get up and move!
A slow leisurely stroll won't help. Pick up the pace and get your heart pumping to see real benefits.
#2) Avoid cigarettes and alcohol
There's a proven connection between any amount of alcohol and cigarettes to Alzheimer's says Julia Lundstrom, Neuroscience and Brain Health Educator, Simple Smart Science.
#3) Wear a helmet
Whether you're riding a bike, rollerblading, or participating in any sport where head injury is possible, please wear a helmet. Concussions have been shown to have a direct impact on mental health later in life.
#4) Stop worrying
Stress, anxiety, and depression have all been linked to cognitive decline. Let Go, Let God handle it.
I learned an exercise that may help. On the right side of a piece of paper, list all the items that are bothering you. Now circle the ones you actually have control over. Let go of the ones outside your control. You can't change them and they are draining you of energy.
On the left side, list the one item you will focus on resolving/solving/completing. Focus only on one item until it's complete.
Debbie Compton
I am an author, speaker, caregiver, and Grammy. The latter is by far the most fun! Having been a primary caregiver 3x, I realized so many lessons were learned too late to benefit my Dad who passed of Parkinson's Disease. I resolved to write a book to make life easier and safer for other caregivers that would get them ideas, inspiration, and lessons learned. It's called "Caregiving: How To Hold On While Letting Go" available on Amazon. I am a Certified Caregiver Consultant and Advocate as well as a Community Educator for the Alzheimer's Assoc. and Founder of The PurpleVine LLC
