Memory Part 3

 

 There is no precise definition of Mild Cognitive Impairment {MCI} since it describes the stage between age associated memory impairment and dementia. With that being said, this essay presents recent research findings along with some known risks for MCI.

The following are characteristics of those with MCI : 1. Difficulty remembering important family events 2. Trouble remembering what was just said and read 3. Problems with essential paperwork tasks - like income tax 4. Forgetting to take medications and use of  memory lists 5.  Problems with complex tasks like meal preparation.

The incidence of MCI is increasing about 4% annually and is currently found in 10 to 20% of Americans who are aged 65 and older. Older men are about 50% more likely than older women to develop MCI. The good news is that many with MCI do not progress to dementia. However, sadly, when it comes to Alzheimer’s there are no valid methods to accurately determine which individuals with MCI will proceed to and an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

MCI does not have a strong genetic or familial risk. Not surprisingly, the major risk are lifestyle choices. Some well-known risks for MCI include the following: 1. Having a vascular risk factor is a powerful predictor of who will proceed from MCI to dementia, especially Alzheimer’s 2. Having three or more -excess weight, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low ” good” HDL cholesterol and high blood sugar markedly raises the risk of MCI 4. Sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnea were twice as  likely to develop MCI or dementia in a five-year study of 1300 women over age 75 5. Regular vigorous exercise for 45 to 60 minutes a day, four days a week, improved the cognitive functioning in a group of people with MCI. A long-term study found that those who reported getting moderate physical exercise-brisk walking, swimming, yoga, aerobics, and strength training in midlife were 39% like less likely to develop MCI. Those who engaged in moderate exercise, later in life, were 32% less likely to develop MCI 6. Several studies have shown that low-calorie diets with lots of fruits and veggies, getting regular and restful sleep, and keeping the brain active with new learning will lower the risk of developing MCI and improve functioning if diagnosed with MCI.

Man, in the art of living, has two choices. He can either treat himself good or evil. It should be clear by now, that so many people are emotionally, cognitively  and behaviorally turning anger inward {for short term pleasure into long term masochism} with their , of course, failure of conscience and self-defeating masochism. Once again, character determines thinking, feeling and behavioral actions. With character, the art of living is the issue. Creating severe brain and physical health issues is certainly not an expression of loving oneself. What is the aim, values and devotion for these individuals?  What false idols are they chasing? What fiction are they telling themselves? How does their illusionary story end? Their indifference and ineffectiveness. Is mind-boggling  It’s difficult  to believe that making good healthy  decisions pertaining to diet, ingesting harmful substances, and exercise is hidden from the populace. We lead the world, per population, with so many poor health decisions. We pollute more, kill more, we eat more, we exercise less etc. it’s no wonder that the brain diseases with MCI, dementia and Alzheimer’s are on the rise. These statistics suggest a colossal brain failure on the part of so many. This fact is contributing to our countries authoritarian character.

Reference

Understanding Dementia. Institute for Natural Resources (INR)

Part 4 to follow and pertains to dementia