As a caregiver, you understand the unpredictable nature that comes with caring for your aging loved ones. With a demanding lifestyle and full agenda, family caregivers often lack the time to become properly trained in how to handle certain medical issues. However, it is crucial to become familiar with the risks associated with the leading disease in older generations: heart disease. Recent studies have suggested a link between heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, one of the risk factors—Type 2 diabetes mellitus, or DM2—has been proven to triple the chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, there is evidence that suggests targeting heart disease and diabetes risk factors can help prevent cognitive decline.

There is ongoing research to discover the link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Several factors other than heart disease are involved with the connection, including high blood glucose levels and abnormal insulin. High blood glucose levels have potentially toxic effects on the brain, leading to an increased chance of developing a brain disease. The high levels lead to the formation of excess free radicals, which ultimately leads to cell damage. Additionally, insulin abnormalities play a significant role in brain metabolism, learning and memory. Disturbances in the insulin signaling pathways to the brain may contribute to cognitive decline like that of Alzheimer’s.

Discovering a solution to this dilemma is not easy. The most imperative details to know are how to prevent your loved one from developing DM2. Basic ways of achieving this are through daily exercise, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, and receiving regular screenings for diabetes. The most effective way to delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s is by preventing the risk of diabetes and understanding the symptoms. While an aging parent’s cognitive decline cannot be entirely avoided, following these steps may greatly decrease the severity of the regression.

Check out the latest expert to join our site - Dr. Mindy of LightBridge.  Read her full article on the link between Alzheimer’s & Diabetes.  She’s also written another article on the link between cardiovascular health & Alzheimer’s disease.

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AGIS.com is happy to introduce Dr. Mindy Kim-Miller to our Ask an Expert section. Dr. Mindy is a trained medical physician and researcher who provides useful general answers to questions related to health, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and aging. She is also the Senior VP of Research and Education and Principal Investigator of LightBridge, a provider of educational resources that translate current medical research into practical strategies for caregivers.

Her work has been presented at national and international scientific conferences. Through her personal experiences living with and helping to care for a grandfather with dementia, she appreciates the need for support, education, and training for caregivers of those with dementia.

If you have a question for Dr. Mindy please visit: http://www.agis.com/community/Ask-The-Experts/LightBridge/

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Hey readers, put down that candy bar. Researchers at Tufts University have just solved the mystery of the Pyramid – the Food Pyramid, that is. Seniors puzzled by nutritional requirements can relax and peruse the graphically enhanced pyramid so “all shall be revealed.”

The new Tufts version for elders complements the USDA food pyramid called MyPyramid. For those of you who are computer savvy, the revamped MyPyramid has an online feature that allows you to calculate your nutritional requirements based on your sex, age, height, weight and exercise habits. For those of you who may not be Internet intellects, the graphic boldly shows areas of importance for older adults.

Red flag requirements: The flag on top of the pyramid signals seniors to take supplements of vitamins B-12, D and calcium in addition to a healthy diet. Doctors agree there are “unique dietary needs” for adults over 70. Seniors usually slow down and exercise less, so they need less food. So it becomes that much more important to choose nutrient-rich food, like fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and high-fiber whole grains.

Your mother was right: If you look closely at the graphics, you’ll notice some packages and boxes on the new pyramid. Is cardboard a new, cheaper way to get our fiber? Since adults are less likely to make multiple runs to the store for fresh produce – you may have arthritis or not want to risk a fall in icy weather – you can feel free to stock up on items like bags of frozen pre-cut vegetables that can be resealed, single-serve portions of canned fruit, or even dried fruits, and still meet your nutritional needs.

Secret to a long life: To protect your self against heart disease, cancer and even (gasp) constipation, the answer is the fiber found in fruits, veggies and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables also help reduce the risk of stroke and type two diabetes.

Drink up: See that row of glasses at the bottom? Those aren’t gin-and-tonics - it’s water. The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults puts fluids at the very foundation of its chart. Why? Alice H. Lichtenstein, D.Sc., director of the Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory at Tufts says, “As we age there can be a disassociation between how hydrated our bodies are and how thirsty we feel, this can be particularly of concern in the summer months.” So before you hike off into the desert, load up your camel with food and beverages with high water content, such as lettuce, vegetable juice and soups.

Your high school gym teacher was right: The new pyramid really stresses the importance of exercise. Along the very bottom, you’ll see examples of recommended activities for older adults, such as walking, yard work and swimming. “Regular physical activity is linked to reduced risk of chronic disease and lower body weights. Government statistics indicate that obesity in adults 70 years and older has been increasing. Physical activity is one way to avoid weight gain in later years and its adverse consequences,” says Lichtenstein. “In addition, regular physical activity can improve quality of life for older adults.”

Learn more about food and nutrition.

Have questions? Check out our experts.

Filed under: AGIS, Baby Boomers, Caregiving, Elder Issues, Eldercare, Health & Safety | 1 Comment »