It's Difficult to Be Healthy

There is limited, but not enough, significant action when it comes to major issues facing us like global warming; income inequality; nuclear threat, and racism. Likewise, there is hardly any focus in the media or congress , except for an article in the newspaper or magazine when it comes to obesity; opioid epidemic; air and water pollution; paucity of regulation when it comes to the food, pharmaceutical,  and beverage industry; lack of physical activity and  mental and physical health. These gigantic concerns provide a backdrop for an article titled “New Hope for Alzheimer’s” found in the August 20, 2018 edition of Time.

Thanks to NFL football. the MCI acronym or mild cognitive impairment is on the minds of many, especially parents and their concern about whether or not to allow their children to play football. Unfortunately, the MCI diagnosis is increasing and currently found in about 10 to 20% of Americans 65 years of age and older. The good news is that many with the MCI diagnosis will not necessarily progress to dementia. However, about 5 to 15% of those with MCI do progress to Alzheimer’s disease. Also, older men are about 50% more likely than older women to develop MCI. However, more women develop Alzheimer’s disease than men.

Although MCI impairment does not have a strong genetic or familial component, the major risks are to no surprise- lifestyle factors. 1. Having a vascular risk factor is a powerful predictor of those that proceed from MCI to dementia. 2. Having three or more of: excess weight, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low “good “HDL cholesterol and high blood sugar markedly raised the risk of MCI of people 65 and older. 3. Women over 75, who had a sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnea are twice as likely to develop MCI or dementia, compared to women without these conditions. 4. Regular vigorous exercise - 45 to 60 minutes a day, four times a week improved cognitive functioning in a group of people with MCI. And those getting moderate physical exercise like brisk walking, swimming, yoga, aerobics, strength training in mid-life, are 39% less likely to develop MCI.

Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer’s disease is a new diagnosis. Another concern is the diagnosis of dementia. Although dementia is not a specific disease, it is a group of symptoms caused by different disorders that affect the brain. For example, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 75% of all the dementias for adults reaching age 65.

To Be Continued