Here is a fact: every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's. I used to think Alzheimer's was a disease that only very old people would get. I used to think that Alzheimer's meant that a person was just 'forgetful'. It's bigger than that. Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. There is no cure. 

What do we know today about preventing Alzheimer's? We definitely know from research that diet and exercise play an important role in keeping our brains, and bodies, healthy. I just wrote about the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet in my blog dated August 25, 2016. In addition, we know that exercise plays another important role in cognitive health. I came across an article that appears in a recent Time magazine. I've been checking into the research mentioned in the article and I want to summarize for you what I have found. 

This isn't really ground-breaking news. There has been plenty of talk about the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet over the years, and new research is showing we can definitely improve our brain health by eating this way. What is the  Mediterranean diet? The Mediterranean diet contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, legumes, peas, and grains. You can enjoy fish and chicken in moderation while limiting your red meat intake, and get your healthy fats from olives, olive oil, avocados and nuts.

I love Spring! I can't stop talking about Spring! What does Spring mean to you? I bet you can't help but smile when you think of Spring. Like many people, I love seeing the green pop out. I love to see the Spring flowers start to grow, the smell of the flowering trees and freshly cut grass. The way the sunshine feels on my face and shoulders as I take walks feels amazing. The sound of the birds in the mornings makes me feel lighter and happier.

I found this article in Smithsonian Magazine very interesting. I was reading this while on a flight, and I felt like running up and down the aisle with excitement exclaiming "They did it! A brain in a dish!" But I stopped short of getting up because, you know, that sort of thing is frowned upon. Especially on an airplane. 

I found this on the Alzheimer's Association website, and I think that it is really useful in learning about how Alzheimer's disease affects the brain. Personally, it helps me understand what is happening to my Mom from a medical perspective. 

It is hard to answer other people's questions about Alzheimer's when you are not really sure about the facts yourself. The National Institute on Aging has accurate information regarding Alzheimer's disease including signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments, and where to find support for families and caregivers.  

I  was not exactly sure what the difference between Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia was until I was forced to understand it because of my Mom's diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, and it is the most common form of dementia...