Shift your identity and focus towards emotional health and the quality of your relationships, as these aspects are less tied to age-related decline and are key determinants of well-being and happiness throughout life.
Age successfully by focusing on how you see yourself, fostering positive interactions with the world, nurturing strong relationships, letting go of past losses, and actively focusing on the positive aspects of life.
Engage in regular aerobic exercise, as a growing body of data shows it can improve cognitive testing scores even in individuals with existing cognitive impairment or full-blown dementia, making it beneficial beyond just prevention.
Actively manage risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes to reduce the accumulation of tiny strokes and vascular disease in the brain, which can contribute to cognitive impairment.
Don’t postpone significant life goals or experiences until retirement, as unforeseen health issues may prevent you from enjoying them; live in the present and pursue what brings you joy now.
Caregivers should understand that challenging behaviors in loved ones with dementia are symptoms of the disease, not intentional acts to annoy; respond with patience and reframe interactions to reduce personal frustration and improve care.
For both patients and caregivers, prioritize focusing on the present moment and making each day better, rather than dwelling on the inevitable progression of Alzheimer’s, as patients often live in the moment.
For elderly individuals, especially those with dementia, regularly review all medications with a healthcare professional to identify and deprescribe unnecessary drugs, ensuring treatment targets symptoms with the safest, lowest dose.
Overcome embarrassment or isolation associated with Alzheimer’s symptoms and seek early medical help, as current medications, while not cures, can slow cognitive decline and preserve function for a period.
Understand that Alzheimer’s is a disease, not a normal part of aging, and that early intervention and treatment can slow decline and preserve function, encouraging timely help-seeking.
When a loved one with dementia resists a necessary task (e.g., showering), use positive reinforcement by offering a favorite reward (e.g., a snack) immediately after the task, rather than engaging in a struggle.
Actively combat social isolation by nurturing relationships and engaging with others, as strong social connections are a crucial determinant of quality of life and emotional well-being as you age.
When seeking a dementia diagnosis, ensure that the patient and an observer (e.g., spouse, adult child) are interviewed separately, as this prevents crucial information from being omitted due to discomfort or desire to protect feelings.
If experiencing memory loss, undergo comprehensive lab tests (e.g., for thyroid disturbance, vitamin deficiencies) to identify and treat any reversible causes before assuming a neurodegenerative condition.
For elderly patients with dementia, avoid chronic use of benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam) due to their high risk of increasing confusion and significantly raising the incidence of hip fractures.
If you know your APOE genotype, use it to inform your approach to preventative measures; while a protective genotype doesn’t eliminate risk, a higher-risk genotype should prompt a more serious commitment to prevention.
Even with a diagnosis or physical limitations, adapt your favorite activities and pursue things you enjoy, rather than giving them up entirely, to maintain quality of life.
Caregivers should seek opportunities to vent and talk to others who understand their experiences, as sharing insights and receiving validation can provide significant emotional support and practical advice.
When traveling with a loved one with dementia, implement simple safety measures like having them wear a lanyard with their room number and your cell phone number, allowing for continued enjoyment of activities with necessary adjustments.
When concerned about memory issues, consider the context: stress, poor sleep, and normal aging can cause forgetfulness. True concern arises when memory problems become a daily, frequent, and intense pattern.
Develop patience and understanding for elderly patients by considering their life stories and experiences, which can provide context for their current state and foster better care.
Be aware of and challenge the tendency to dismiss or ‘brush off’ the elderly, as this can lead to misdiagnosis or inadequate care and reflects an attitude of ageism.
Recognize that APOE genotyping is not diagnostic for Alzheimer’s disease and can cause undue worry; its primary utility is in research settings to understand treatment responses and risk, not routine clinical care.
When evaluating treatments for Alzheimer’s, prioritize clinical outcomes (patient improvement, symptom reduction) over biomarker changes (e.g., amyloid removal), as biomarker success does not guarantee clinical benefit.
If considering anti-amyloid drugs, be aware of the risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), such as brain swelling or microhemorrhages, especially if you are an APOE4 carrier, as this may influence dosing or suitability.
Understand that prevention trials, which aim to stop Alzheimer’s before symptoms begin, represent the most promising path towards a cure, similar to intervening early in cardiovascular disease.