The Alzheimer's Digest: How To Slow The Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

How To Slow The Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

Quick summary

The memory loss and other cognitive changes characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and most other forms of dementia can't be reversed. But there are some proven ways to delay further decline, at least over the short term.

Mental Activity

A growing body of research indicates that stimulating the brain has the power to slow the progress of Alzheimer's, particularly in the early stages. Healthy elderly adults who are mentally active were 2.6 times less likely to develop dementia, according to the Rush Memory and Aging Project, an ongoing longitudinal study involving more than 1,200 older people.

What you can do:
Encourage the person in your care to participate in activities she finds pleasurable, especially those that engage the mind: reading, writing, playing the piano, working crosswords or puzzle books, playing games such as chess, or even learning a language. Present her with fresh materials or plenty of opportunities.

Local senior centers and adult daycare programs are more than just a way to "pass the time." They excel at providing stimulating activities, including group storytelling, music, art, and games.
Some research suggests that activities are especially protective when they involve interacting with others. Healthy people who are socially active tend to have fewer memory problems than those who are more reclusive.

Arrange for help around the home, if possible, but avoid relieving her of all her customary responsibilities. Participating in daily chores can be a form of mental workout, too.

The catch with mental stimulation:
It's important that someone with dementia find the activity pleasurable. If she finds studying Spanish or learning to use a computer frustrating because of existing cognitive declines, don't push it.
Also avoid formal mental "exercises" or memory drills. They may stress her, causing symptoms to worsen.

Too much social activity can also be stressful. Outings are best when low-key (small dinners as opposed to, say, big parties) and when they last under two hours.