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A guide for family, friends and loved ones in preparing such as the ability to multi-task (20 year olds are the best at
for the effects of the growing elder population multi-tasking). However, if we continue to stimulate ourselves
…a Public Service from “Those Who Care” through new learning and taking care of our bodies, we should
only experience "normal forgetfulness." Examples of normal
Improving our memories – We all age, but is losing our forgetfulness might include: occasionally forgetting an appoint-
memory a foregone conclusion? ment, some simple distractions during conversations, some-
what slower in retrieving information, and forgetting where you
Question: Help…! I’m only 48 years old and just yesterday left something.
forgot my home phone number! Am I in the throes of memory
loss and is this an early sign of Alzheimer’s? Most memory loss has little effect on our daily lives and is eas-
Answer: When we're young, we rarely think about getting old ily managed. The key is to ward off the possible effects of old
and the effects aging has on our bodies. Yet, when we are age on memory through judicious use of exercise, good dietary
around 40 to 50 years old, we are, at times, painfully aware of habits, stimulation of the brain through new learning (even try-
those effects (such as joints aching, sleep disturbances, need- ing to write with the opposite hand can stimulate the brain), and
ing to use reading glasses, etc). Nothing in the aging process keeping your stress down. We all age, but losing our memory
seems more upsetting to us and our families than the loss of need not be a foregone conclusion.
memory. Most people immediately think of Alzheimer's disease
when an aging family member begins to show signs of memory Is it time to put the brakes on and hang up the keys?
problems. However, most memory related issues are not pre-
cursors to Alzheimer's nor are they untreatable. Question: What can I, as a family member or friend, do if I am
concerned about the driving ability and safety of someone older
More and more research is pointing to the fact that memory is- who continues to drive?
sues are part of the normal aging process. As part of that pro- Answer: First, recognize that driving is very important as it
cess, memory issues can be slowed down in the same manner is our primary means of getting around. Second, if there are
that other health related issues are treated. For example, some other family members or friends available, talk with them to see
memory related problems are a result of a decreased flow of if they have made some of the same observations and discuss
blood to the brain (and to some degree, a loss of brain cells). how you maybe able to help the driver. It is best to maintain
This reduction in blood flow is often attributed to generalized a sense of trust in your relationship, being honest and persis- San Diego
poor circulation that is connected to high blood pressure, high tent. Encourage the person to make a decision to reduce or Woman
cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, etc. We all know stop driving as appropriate. Be aware that persons who lose
that we should be taking better care of ourselves. If we are the privilege of driving often feel lonely or anxious because they
able to maintain good overall health, this will then lead to better have fewer opportunities to be with friends or involved in activi- 27
memory function. Below is a brief list of the areas most often ties. If the person will not listen to reason, you may want to
connected to maintaining or improving your general health, but discuss the problem with their doctor to find out if there are any
specifically to maintaining your memory: medical reasons that should be reported.
• Most metro areas have alternative means available, if you
1. Improving your diet. Having a low calorie with high fiber qualify, and these services can be located within your commu-
diet has been shown to improve, or ward off, mental de- nity phonebook. (i.e., I.T.N. San Diego)
cline. Coupled with a strong regiment of proper vitamins, • Offer to drive instead of the elder person.
overall health can be maintained or improved. • Suggest that the older driver always have someone go with
2. Keep bad cholesterol levels down. them.
3. Don't smoke. • Attempt to avoid driving at night or under the influence of any
4. Don't drink to excess. serious mood altering medications.
5. Exercise regularly. • Attempt to avoid major highway/expressways. Use home
6. Continue to stimulate your brain, through games, formal/ deliveries if possible.
informal learning, etc. • If required, disable the car (i.e., take the distributor cord, or
7. Stay active, not only physically, but socially. disconnect the battery).
Remember that many older drivers have been driving for well
The bottom line is to keep your brain active. The more you over fifty years. They have had that privilege and few have
use your brain, the stronger it gets. Remember (pun intended) abused it. To take that privilege away is yet another sign to
when we thought as we age we lose more and more brain cells, them that they are getting older and unable to care for them-
with no chance of growing new ones? Well, our brains actu- selves. Expect that they will have difficulty handling such a
ally continue to grow new neurons. This allows us, even in the loss. Be supportive. Talk to them. Try to make some compro-
midst of the aging process, to learn new things, to adapt new mises and simply be there for them when the need your sup-
processes of handling old problems, and to stay mentally sharp port. Whether you are a caregiver helping your care recipient
well into old age. or you are a family member dealing with mom or dad… your
love, your support, your understanding, and your ability to be
Yes, it's true that we do lose some of our mental abilities, flexible will help everyone get through this difficult time.
Issue 1, 2009