While cleaning out a closet, a picture of my mother surprised me – she was so young and vibrant with those eyes shining. It was a high school or college picture. Memories come flooding back of my mother.
Unfortunately, she passed in 2006. She had suffered and died from Alzheimer’s disease. She was a highly intelligent woman, teaching math and science in middle school. Alzheimer’s disease takes away everything, starting with the brain and then takes away everything else. As a family, we took care of her – until we couldn’t. This disease is a heart breaker. I cried every day when I left her bed side. This disease took my hero.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 5.8 million Americans of all ages are Alzheimer’s. Here are some statistics to highlight the magnitude of the disease: One in 10 people age 65 and older (10 percent) has Alzheimer’s dementia. Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women; older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older whites and Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older whites.
As the number of older Americans grows rapidly, so too will the number of new and existing cases of Alzheimer’s. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia may grow to a projected 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or cure this disease.
Like most, there is worry about Alzheimer’s disease in the future. According to Harvard Health Publishing, here is a short list of lifestyle improvements that help prevent onset:
1.) As expected, exercise! Just walk to get exercise several times a week.
2.) Eat a Mediterranean diet – vegetables and fruit, olive oil, nuts, fish with moderate amounts of poultry, dairy and eggs.
3.) Get SLEEP!
4.) Socialize and stay active in friendships and groups and
5.) Cognitive stimulation and learning new things. Can I share a secret? I’ve been writing ASK for 10 years. Through writing, my cognition stays sharp. Alzheimer’s disease is a major reason I have chosen to challenge my brain and research new ideas. Shhh! That’s my secret superpower. For me, it’s personal.
I am going to frame my mother’s picture and put it somewhere I can see it every day until I get to see her again. Remember my friends and readers, embrace Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”.
Love God and all people. Amen.
