|
Read our stories about Canadians who are doing their best to boost their brains whether through exercise, reducing stress or laughter. These stories are a personal look at how people are taking the healthy brain challenge and how the disease is touching just a few Canadians.
Hope Lives in Harvey
To know that the inherited form of Alzheimer's
disease is very rare means little in the village
of Harvey, New Brunswick. While only about
7 per cent of all Alzheimer's disease is associated
with familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD), in this
small community, roughly one third of the
population has this form of the disease.
"It's on your mind constantly," says Cathy whose
father, aunt and several cousins have all been affected
by the disease. "It's always right there and you wonder,
am I next?"
According to Dr. Jack Diamond, Scientific Director of
the Alzheimer Society of Canada, FAD tends to strike
before age 65. In Harvey, many people have received
the diagnosis while in their forties and fifties. This high
incidence of FAD in Harvey has provided Alzheimer's
researchers with a unique opportunity to learn about the
disease. "The community's willingness to work with
researchers has significantly furthered our understanding
of this disease," adds Diamond.
Cathy is acutely aware of just how much progress has
been made in recent years. Her father was showing
symptoms in the late 1970's, but at that time the disease
was rarely mentioned. "It is such a common occurrence
here but for a long time no one talked about it," says
Cathy. She helped change that.
After her father was diagnosed in 1993 Cathy started
raising funds for the Alzheimer Society. As part of a
family affected by Alzheimer's disease, she was able to
bring the disease into the open and make it acceptable
to talk about it. After years of silence she discovered
that "the support in Harvey was phenomenal."
Treatment and care have also changed greatly since her
father was sick. "At that time there were no medications.
There was nothing back then at all," remembers
Cathy. The first Alzheimer's medication was
introduced in 1997, two years after Cathy's father
passed away at age 64. Today better diagnostic tools are
enabling people to be diagnosed and begin treatment
earlier. In the past 10 short years, new drug therapies
have been approved for use in Canada that help to
alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, in
some people.
"I'm at a higher risk for diabetes so I watch my sugar
intake carefully," says Cathy who became aware that
diabetes is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease when
she saw the Heads Up for Healthier Brains material.
Monitoring health checks such as blood pressure and
cholesterol are one of the many keys to keep your brain
healthier along with socializing, protecting your head
and challenging yourself. Cathy keeps her brain active
with puzzles and by doing embroidery while she
watches TV.
| Choose a Healthy Lifestyle |
 Do regular health checks and keep
your blood pressure, blood sugar
and weight within recommended
ranges. Diabetes, hypertension, high
cholesterol and obesity are all risk
factors for Alzheimer's disease. |
| If you have diabetes it is important
to manage it well. |
| Eat a varied diet rich in darkcoloured
fruits and vegetables,
including foods rich in anti-oxidants
such as blueberries and spinach;
and omega 3 oils found in fish and
canola oils. |
| Choose habits wisely – avoid
smoking and excessive alcohol
consumption. |
| Practice relaxation, meditation or
other stress reduction techniques. |
Engage in physical activity
regularly to promote your
cardiovascular health. |
| See your doctor regularly for check
ups and any specific health concerns.
Your doctor is an important
partner in maintaining your health. |
"The Healthier Brains information shows how much
the research has evolved in recent years," says Cathy
enthusiastically. "When I read it I was filled with such
hope. Research is progressing and that gives everyone
more incentive, more hope," she adds, voicing the
sentiment that has sustained the people of Harvey
for decades.
"If you get the disease now you have a better
opportunity to carry on with living your life," says
Cathy wistfully remembering her father. "Today
treatment is about maintaining quality of life for as
long as possible. It has come a long way."
All of these positive developments have helped lessen
Cathy's fear that she will be diagnosed with
Alzheimer's disease. "If I do get the disease, I think
I will fare far better than my father did," says Cathy
quietly. "And I know that the Alzheimer Society is out
there, and that if I need them someday, they will be
there for me."
Download this story (PDF)
[To view and print this PDF file, you need  Adobe Reader, available free from the Adobe website.]
More:
|
