This problem can be extremely vexing for the caregiver and perilous for the Alzheimer’s sufferer. I know this firsthand. On one memorable occasion, my dad was returned to his home by a police officer after he had been found wandering along a busy road in our city. During a snowstorm.

However, I was able to hinder my dad from wandering with an ingenious little gadget. In this article, I’m going to explain how to install that device – a door blocker called the “Defender.”[1] I have installed several of these blockers: one in an apartment, and a couple of them in a townhouse. I absolutely love these products. And I think that you might, too.

Introduction

What’s the Function of the ‘Defender’?

Knowing your loved one can open doors and leave the care environment without you or a caretaker in tow – or even realizing your charge is gone – is a terrifying proposition. Memory and reasoning deficits raise the possibility that he or she could become disoriented and lost, or even injured or worse.

From the perspective of long-term home care, then, the main benefit of these locks is to prevent your loved one from eloping. The devices are inexpensive, and the contemplated modification may be performed relatively easily.

This sort of change is part of what I mean by “Alzheimer’s proofing” your home environment. (This is a concept that I describe more fully HERE.) Under this way of using the phrase, it is a close cousin to childproofing a house as expectant parents would do in preparation for the arrival of a newborn.

Devices Double as Theft Deterrents

These door blockers can deter Alzheimer’s sufferers, or other cognitively disabled persons, from opening exit doors, leaving the care environment, and potentially putting themselves in harm’s way.

But it is worth noting that this particular use – keeping someone inside the house – is a bit of a departure from the product’s stated purpose.

This style of door lock has been designed and marketed as a security device and theft deterrent. When properly installed on an entrance door, the lock helps to prevent forcible entry into a house. It essentially fortifies the door so that even if a thief has jimmied it, or defeated its deadbolt and locking mechanisms, the door blocker will enable the door to remain in a closed position.

So, beyond the standpoint of Alzheimer’s proofing, it will add another layer of security to your home.

Can Your Alzheimer’s-Afflicted Loved One Defeat the Blocker?

As stated, the Defender is intended to be set into a locked position inside the home in order to reduce the probability of forcible entry should an intruder attempt to gain access to the interior of your house.

Given this, it has been designed to be locked and unlocked by normal-functioning adults. Therefore, it is possible for a cognitively impaired person to operate the latch. However, to do so he or she would have to have a number of cognitive and physical abilities. A rough-and-ready enumeration of these might look the following.

Cognitive Abilities Plausibly Needed to Defeat the Blocker:

• The ability to notice the device
• The capability to identify its function
• The capacity to understand or the resourcefulness to determine the correct way to unlock it once
• The motor skill and dexterity required to execute the unlocking action
• The memory power to remember how to defeat it on subsequent encounters

I’m certainly no medical or psychological expert. But, the likelihood that a cognitively impaired individual would possess this collection of abilities seems to me to be somewhat low. More guardedly, I suppose that I would venture the opinion that the probability is low at least once your loved is sufficiently advanced in his or her dementia to be a serious elopement risk.

Often, if it is positioned high enough on the door – or if it is camouflaged – your loved one may not even recognize that the door blocker has been installed. Of course, this is because Alzheimer’s tends to diminish perception. In the case of my dad, for instance, I don’t believe he noticed that the thing was even there.

Additionally, a high-up position might hinder the door-opening ability of a senior adult in general – quite apart from any dementia – for example if he or she has joint or mobility issues.

Moreover, the door blocker requires an additional motion, outside of those used to open doors in the usual way, that may frustrate a person with a cognitive deficit and prevent them from eloping from the home.

WARNING!

I should, however, inject an important word of caution.

These door blockers may hinder your and your loved one’s abilities to exit the house in the event of a fire or other emergency. If you’re going to use these products as a deterrent to help prevent elopement of a loved one from the residence, you may want to ensure the blocker is activated only during the time periods where your loved one is at the highest risk of vacating the premises without you noticing.

Of course, from a theft-deterrence perspective, it is appealing to have the latch activated throughout the night or during whatever intervals occupants of the house wish to lower the likelihood of intrusion.[2]

Disclaimer:

I cannot advise you as to the appropriateness of any particular course of action for your application. Furthermore, I cannot be sure, and do not warrant, that the device will be effective for you – for any purpose whatsoever. This information is presented as-is, for general or entertainment purposes only. Whatever use you put this information to is entirely your own responsibility. No one at or affiliated or associated with AlzheimersProof.com assumes any liability for how you may implement or not implement any of the ideas described in on this website or in any companion videos.

Be aware of where and under what circumstances you are installing these blockers. The upshot is that I am certainly not guaranteeing that these devices or installation methods will be successful or safe for your individual or family situation.

I can only state that these blockers were a tremendous help for me and my family when caring for my Alzheimer’s-afflicted dad.

My Installation Procedure

‘Unboxing’ & Collecting Required Tools

‘Defender’ Installation Instructions

Upon opening the Defender’s packaging, you will find several items. These include:

• The door blocker device itself;
• Instructions;
• 3 large wood screws;
• 4 smaller metal screws;

Tools

The main tools needed include:

• A drill (this could be theoretically be corded or cordless; mine was the latter)
• 1/8-inch drill bit
• Philip’s screwdriver

Optional (& Possibly Necessary) Tools

• Wood chisel (if there is insufficient space in between the door and door jamb to accommodate the blocker)
• Hammer (to use the chisel, if one is needed)
• Center Punch (to tap a small “pilot” for the drill bit)
• Tape Measure (to assist in positioning the blocker on the door with respect to the other locking hardware – such as doorknobs and deadbolts)

Safety Equipment

• Safety goggles

Positioning the Blocker

You may want to begin by determining where you want to place the Defender door blocker. The instructions suggest that it be installed at least 6 inches above the door handle and deadbolt.

As suggested above, it may be beneficial to install this blocker a bit higher than this. In fact, there is an “L-shaped” area on the door within which the manufacturer recommends placing the Defender.

Inverted ‘L’-Shaped Install Location

While determining where to install the blocker, place the blocker in the locked position. While in this fully closed position, slide the plate between the door frame and door with the black pad against the door.

This will allow you to get a good look at everything, and to reposition the blocker is desired or necessary.

**Be mindful of any electrical outlets nearby as there may be wiring within the walls near where you may be drilling. Additionally, look at surrounding door hardware, molding, key hooks, or other things that might interfere with your ability to operate the blocker and allow it to swing fully from locked to unlocked positions, and back again.

Actual Installation Steps

Step One

Once you have determined where you want to place the door blocker, use a pencil to mark the placement of the center screw within the door frame.

Step Two

Use your drill and 1/8-inch drill bit to make a hole where the center screw will be placed.

Step Three

Place the door blocker plate back against the door frame, allowing the recently drilled hole drilled to be visible in the center-hole of the plate.

Step Four

Drive the center screw into the door frame allowing the blocker plate to be provisionally positioned.  The center hole is oval shaped and allows for the back-and-forth movement of the device in order to ensure that it is tight enough against the door to perform its function, but not so tight that it prevents you from latching and unlatching it.

Step Five

Test for the appropriate and desired fit. Before fully securing the door blocker, close the door and test the blocker in the locked position to ensure the placement is optimal. If the lock is difficult to engage or disengage, the placement of the plate may need to be adjusted slightly for proper operation of the device. In this case, you would simply loosen (but not remove) the center screw, move the blocker, and re-tighten the screw.

Step Six

Once the positioning has been established, ensure that the center screw is fully tightened – but not over-torqued. (You don’t want to strip the head or threads.)

Longer Wood Screws & Shorter Metal Screws

Then, drive in the remaining three (3) screws – large screws for a wooden door frame; small screws for metal – into the remaining holes present on the door blocker plate to firmly secure the blocker.

Congratulations!

Your Defender door blocker has now been successfully installed!

‘Defender’ in Position

If you need an additional assist, or a bit more in the way of visual aids, never fear. For a demonstration of the operation of the lock, or for a video tutorial on the installation procedure, please view my companion YouTube video: Alzheimer’s Elopement & Access Control: Install the Defender Door Lock.

Thank you for reading! I wish you all the best trying to deal with elopement risk.

Notes:

[1] The “Defender” appears to me to be an off-brand version of a different door blocker known as the “Door Guardian.” I also have the Door Guardian and will walk through its – nearly identical – installation procedure in a subsequent post.

[2] Note that there is no “key” and that the device is not designed to be unlocked from the outside. It is supposed to be activated and deactivated from within the area being secured.

The post Reduce Elopement/Wandering: ‘Defender’ Lock for Alzheimer’s appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

Various researchers, however, have suspected that at least some of the blame for Alzheimer’s can be placed on controllable things like diet/nutrition and exercise – both mental and physical. The general idea is that if you don’t “use it” (i.e., your brain), you might “lose it”![1] To that end, several sources have posited a slew of activities that are geared toward keeping you cerebrally fit. I’’ take a sort of “cocktail” or “grab-bag” approach.

Here is my list of the top twelve ways you might be able exercise your brain to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. (See “Caveats,” below.)

Board and Card Games

An article in the British newspaper Independent related that “playing board games …could help” with mental decline – perhaps to an even greater extent than working crossword puzzles (about which, more in a moment).[2]

According to the results of one study that looked at brain scans: “Middle-aged people who [are] avid game players …[tend] to have bigger brains than people who [do] not play games…”.[3]

These more massive brains can confer a big advantage. Some people refer to this as “cognitive reserve.”[4]

Brain Teasers

“Brain teasers” are a type of game, usually consisting of problems, riddles, and the like of that that are solved usually for amusement. But what if they could serve a more useful purpose?

Numerous news outlets have reported on the possibility that various brain teasers, mathematics puzzles, and mysteries might help to enhance your cognitive health.

In the article “How to Outsmart Alzheimer’s,” Wall Street Journal columnist Amy Marcus reported that “quizzes and other cognitive challenges” might push back the onset of Alzheimer’s – “perhaps indefinitely.”[5]

So, reach for those puzzles and put your mind to work!

Chess

Chess is a two-player strategy game that has been around for hundreds of years. It’s played on a board composed of 64 squares of alternating colors. In total, there are 16 pieces per side (32 in all): eight pawns, 2 knights, 2 bishops, 2 rooks, 1 queen, and 1 king. Each type of piece has different rules governing its legal moves. The overall objective of the game is to “corner” (or “checkmate”) the opponent’s king in such a way as to leave it with no counterattack or means of escape.

Chess can be a very involved game with lots of subtlety and variety. It has competitive and social aspects (on the further benefit of which, see further on). But, on the other hand, it can be played over the internet without you (or your loved one) having to leave home.

Once again, some researchers suggest that “playing chess helps stave off the development of dementia.”[6] In fact, one study showed that playing chess “resulted in an almost 30% reduction in” dementia risk.[7]

Checkers

A two-player game, checkers is similar in some respects to the aforementioned chess. For instance, the board consists of 64 alternately colored – or “checkered” – squares.

Checkers is, however, played with 12 pieces per side instead of 16. Each piece is the same at the beginning of the game: simply a small, circular disk. The object of checkers is to “capture” or remove all (or at least most) of your opponent’s pieces or to leave him or her without any legal moves.

Although checkers has less variety in terms of pieces and moves, it is plenty rich in terms of move combinations and traps.

“Studies show games like checkers can boost your brain strength.”[8]

Crosswords

Admit it: Here’s the one you’ve probably been waiting for!

Simply put, a “crossword” is a kind of word puzzle. It is usually presented as a sort of grid with a combination of “empty” boxes and shaded boxes. The object of a crossword is to answer questions or use clues to fill in the empty boxes with words. Often, the words crisscross and interconnect in interesting ways – usually by sharing letters – which accounts for the name of this puzzle type.

Some investigations have suggested that working crosswords can boost mental ability and function.

Whether these activities affect age- or Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline is an open question.

However, the National Center for Biotechnology Information, part of the National Institute of Health, published a study revealing that doing crossword puzzles delayed cognitive impairment – specifically, memory decline – by an average of two and a half years.[9]

Language

There’s a joke that goes something like this.

Question: What do you call a person who speaks three languages? Answer: Trilingual. Question: What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Answer: Bilingual. Question: What do you can a person who speaks only one language? Answer: American!

A quick Google search suggests that around 80-85% of Americans are monolingual.[10] Similar percentages apply in Canada. And the United States and Canada have some of the highest rates of Alzheimer’s Disease. For instance, it is the sixth leading cause of death in this country.

This is compared to approximately 45% of Europeans who are monolingual.[11]

Some research suggests that being bilingual can delay the onset of dementia.[12] For example, a 2013 article from CBS News is titled “Learning Another Language May Help Delay Dementia.”[13]

The article reported on a scientific study of various subpopulations in India. The suggestion was that speaking another language can push Alzheimer’s onset back an average of four to six years.

However, a key word is delay. Many people Belgium and Iceland are multilingual. However, both of those countries are in the top ten of nations with high percentages of Alzheimer’s dementia – according to WorldAtlas.com

In fact, Finland is the nation with the highest affliction rate. And a preponderance of the population appears to be bilingual to one degree or other.

Still, it seems reasonable to talk about a “protective effect of bilingualism.”[14]

Music

I have written a bit about how musical therapy can be a helpful intervention to explore when it comes to treating Alzheimer’s sufferers. (See my article “Can Music Calm an Alzheimer’s Patient?”)

A few studies have also led investigators to conclude that things like “playing musical instruments” can be better than working crossword puzzles or doing Sudoku. In fact, some suggest that this can “significantly reduce” a person’s risk.[15]

But for a more complete look at risk factors, see my video dedicated to that topic.

Puzzles

For those who weren’t introduced to these as children, jigsaw puzzles are basically jumbles of irregularly cut pieces (originally of wood, but now largely cardboard or plastic) that must be assembled in the correct order to reveal a pattern or picture. Pieces range in size from large (for small children or Alzheimer’s sufferers) to small (for people of normal to high cognitive function who may be looking for a challenge).

This deep into the article, you can probably predict what I’ll say next. “[J]igsaw puzzles …can help keep the mind active and a little sharper.”[16] (There are numerous kinds available. For my suggestions, see HERE.)

Reading

Some researchers believe that simply reading (books, magazines, etc.) frequently can have a protective and supportive effect on our brains. This could honestly be as mundane as picking up the daily newspaper. Or, for people who are more electronically inclined, visiting your favorite news website.[17]

If you walk to your local library, you could add a bit of exercise into the mix as well!

Social Interaction

According to a report from National Public Radio: “social interaction may be a better form of mental exercise than brain training,” where “brain training” refers to exercises designed to enhance processing speed and promote reasoning.[18]

Just “being around” other people can be of great benefit to Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Still, it is well to recall that causal direction is difficult to establish. Is it that social withdrawal leads to Alzheimer’s, or that Alzheimer’s leads to social withdrawal?

Sudoku

Here’s another – and more arithmetical – sort of puzzle: Sudoku. This Europe-originated puzzle with the Japanese name is essentially a reworked “magic square” in which numbers are inserted into a 9×9 grid. The object of the number game is to fill paper so that every column, row, and embedded 3×3 grid contains all numerals from 1 to 9.

One scientist stated: “…doing Sudoku isn’t probably going …to prevent you from developing Alzheimer’s disease” by itself.[19] Still, there’s little doubt from many investigators that “regular use of word and number puzzles” – like Sudoku – “helps keep our brains working better for longer.”[20] At least one scientific “study has identified a close relationship between frequency of number‐puzzle use and the quality of cognitive function in adults aged 50 to 93 years old.”[21]

If numbers are in your wheelhouse, give it a shot. If letters are more your thing, feel free to see our section on “crosswords,” above!

Working

You read that correctly. We’re talking about going to work.

Before you complain about your job, consider that, for many people, their job provides their “daily cognitive training.”[22]

This is to say that just going to work can have some neural-protective value.

Many jobs are going to present workers with daily brain challenges. These may include having data to enter, information to process, items to remember, things to multi-task, questions to answers, and so on.[23]

Now, if your nine-to-five has you on the verge of a panic-induced coronary, then you might want to seek stimulation elsewhere. But if your day job isn’t overly stressful or soul-sucking, then realize that it might be giving your brain an assist.

Caveats

When it comes to Alzheimer’s prevention, there are three divergent perspectives on the efficacy of mental exercise. These are as follows. (1) Mental exercise is possibly helpful. (2) Mental exercise is likely neither helpful not harmful. (3) Mental exercise is potentially harmful.

Objections

The third position – that mental can be potentially harmful – suggests a few objections to the strategies outlined above.

False Hope?

Firstly, some investigators worry that these considerations might give a person “false hope.” The idea, here, is – presumably – that someone might form beliefs such as that doing crossword puzzles has the power to confer some sort of magical protection against dementia, or that doing them could even reverse the disease. Sadly, these don’t seem to be the case.

But it seems to me that the solution is to have realistic expectations, rather than abandoning the idea of doing mental exercises.

Ineffective?

Secondly, and relatedly, some people object that these interventions are just plain ineffective. For example, in some studies – like regarding bilingualism – participants ended up getting Alzheimer’s anyway.

But this shouldn’t mean that the interventions are without value. It may be that we have to clarify what we mean by “effective.” If “effective” has to mean 100% protection against Alzheimer’s, then we might have to confess these interventions to be “ineffective.” But could mental exercises be “effective” at delaying Alzheimer’s?

Delaying onset of a disease seems valuable in and of itself. For example, if you can maintain a higher quality of life longer, wouldn’t you want to do it?

So, maybe playing checkers or working won’t guarantee that I never get Alzheimer’s. But if they (and other things) can help me to push onset back 2 years, 4 years, 6 years… it’s worth it to me.[24]

However, some people mention another facet of this objection. To put it directly, it’s possible that “incipient” or as-of-yet undetected dementia might prompt people to withdraw from social situations and to cease engaging in mentally stimulating activities.

On this picture, it’s not so much that you should exercise your brain to ward off Alzheimer’s. It’s more that once you reduce your level of mental engagement, it’s likely that you have Alzheimer’s – latently – already.

Of course, it is true that I don’t have any special insight into the mechanics or direction of the causation – if any – between mental exercise and dementia. It could be that dementia causes a lack of mental exercise; it could be that a lack of brain engagement causes dementia; it could be that they both have a third, presently unknown cause; or it could be that they are causally unrelated.

Still… only one of those possibilities suggests any direct way for me to influence my mental health positively. In the absence of some impelling reason for me to think that brain exercise isn’t at least possibly beneficial to me, I’ll continue to operate as though it might.

Counterproductive?

Thirdly, some commentators have spoken (or written) in such a way as to suggest that brain exercises could actually be harmful! A few titles make statements such as that mental training can “speed up dementia.” A few acknowledge that mental stimulation might buy time, but that it also accelerates decline once it begins.

There are a few things to be said.

Number one, insofar as these statements make it seem as if someone could be worse off for having exercised their brains, these summaries are a bit misleading. The “acceleration” of the decline can be explained as a simple matter of mathematics, provided only that the dementia is at least partially a matter of biology or physiology.

What I mean is this. Mental exercises almost certainly help boost or preserve cognitive function. But Alzheimer’s involves literal, physical damage to the brain. So, ultimately, mental exercises cannot undo physical damage.

However, through things such as by increasing “cognitive reserve,” they may be able to stave off the noticeable effects of the condition. But this means that once the effects of the condition do become noticeable, the disease may be “compressed,” and the decline may appear to be more rapid or steeper than it would have been otherwise.

Mathematically, this means that the decline is “quicker” either in that it happens over a shorter time, or that it occurs from a higher “starting point” – or both. This can be seen fairly readily from a simple curved-line graph.

In the graph, I show four different trajectories, all ending at age 80.

Red line: no exercise

The red line represents a person who doesn’t exercise at all, and whose decline begins at age 70. The decline concludes at age 80 – as it will for each of the four imagined scenarios.

Blue line: exercise preserves brain function

The blue line represents a person whose exercise preserves their cognitive function an extra five years. So, their decline begins at age 75. It still concludes at age 80.

Orange line: exercise increases, but doesn’t preserve

The orange line represents a person for whom exercise gives their brain function a boost. I didn’t also assume that this boost bought them any additional time. So, you see their decline begins at the same point as the person who doesn’t exercise at all: age 70. This is the person who has a “higher starting point.” The decline also ends at age 80.

Green line: exercise increased brain function

Finally, the green line represents the person for whom exercise both gives a boost to brain function and preserves it. Obviously, this is the best-case scenario. Since the brain function is boosted, the starting point is higher. Since it is preserved, I have their decline begin at age 75. Like everyone else, it stops at age 80.

Analysis

In this toy model, I have envisioned four scenarios, representing four possible combinations. (1) No boost to brain function and no preservation of brain function;[25] (2) preservation of brain function with no boost; (3) no preservation of function, but some boost; and (4) both preservation and boost.

In each of the four cases, we’re looking at people between the ages of 65 and 80. I have assigned arbitrary “brain-function points” between 100 and 400.[26] Furthermore, I have supposed that people start to decline beginning at age 70 or 75, depending on whether there is preservation or not.[27]

(You could either see these as representing four different, but relevantly similar, people. Or you could see it as representing four different possible trajectories for one and the same person. I prefer the latter.)

The four resulting combinations are as follows.

No boost, no preservation

The red line depicts a person who doesn’t engage in any mental exercise at all. The decline begins at level “300” (just an arbitrary number) and ends at level “100.” This is a difference of 200 points. It takes ten years, which means that they lose twenty points a year.

No boost, preservation

The blue line buys the person an extra five years of preservation. Since they hit the same level – level “100” – at the end, their decline occurs twice as fast as for the person who didn’t exercise. They drop 40 points per year, which is twice the rate of decline. This is because the same amount of decline (as occurred with red) is compressed into half the time.

Boost, no preservation

The orange line shows a person with a bit of a boost (getting them to 400), but no extra time before decline begins. They start higher, but end in the same place, dropping 300 points in ten years. This yields a rate of 30 points per year. The amount of decline (compared with red) is 1.5 times greater (150%) but is stretched over the same length of time (as red).

Boost, preservation

The green line shows a person with both boost and preservation. This person bought an extra five years before visible decline. But they also have the extra “100 points” of function. So, their decline starts at a later age (compared to red) – age 75 – and from a higher starting point (again, compared with red) – 400 points. Since they decline 300 points over five years, their rate of decline is 60 points per year.

Conclusion

That we see “higher rates” of decline in the exercisers is due to either (or both) of two factors.

Factor 1: The decline happens over a shorter span of time (as with blue and green); or…

Factor 2: The decline happens from a higher starting point (as with orange and green).

I said earlier that the explanation for the higher decline rates was mathematical. When a predetermined amount of decline happens over a shorter time frame, the rate of decline is increased. This is mathematical in this sense. Take some number, n. n divided by 5 is going to be bigger than n divided by 10.

Moreover, when a predetermined endpoint of decline is reached from a higher beginning point, the slope of the line representing that decline is steeper.[28] This is also mathematical, since the slope of a line is merely a value (m) in the equation representing that line. So, if the cognitive “drop off” is steeper, all we’re saying is that the value of slope (m) for that drop off is a bigger number than it is if the drop off were not as steep.

At the end of the day, for me, I would rather have my cognitive function preserved for as long as possible – and boosted as high as possible – even if I experience an eventual decline.[29]

Curiously, you could even argue that having a “quicker” or “higher” rate of decline is preferable to a slower rate in that it likely saves caretaker energy as well as money devoted to care!

Training Is Parochial

Fourthly, you may read that certain forms of “brain training” are very limited in terms of what they accomplish. Even where certain mental exercises may be worthwhile, their impact may be restricted. To put it another way, specific benefits may not generalize to other areas of your daily or mental life.

For example, reading books may help boost your processing speed, but maybe doesn’t help enhance your memory. (It’s just an illustration; I don’t know whether it does or doesn’t.)

Somewhere I read a researcher giving the following analogy. Some brain exercises can be likened to working out physically by doing only one or two exercises. These exercises – like bicep curls – may strengthen a single muscle (the biceps), but they are unlikely to impact the overall health of the body much.

A few things may be said in reply. Number one, you can make the case that doing a few exercises is better than doing none. A person who does biceps curls may not be as fit or healthy as a person who trains his or her whole body. But he or she may well be more fit or healthy than he or she would be if they did nothing at all.

Number two, whether a given exercise has broad or narrow impact may depend on the sort of exercise being done. In physical training, there are differences between compound and isolation exercises. It’s one thing to do bicep curls or grip strengtheners all day long. It’s another to do deadlifts or squats. The former may only affect one or two muscles; the latter might well affect the entire body. It is doubtful that we know enough about “brain training” to really understand the broader impact of a lot of the mental exercises discussed here. For example, is playing chess more than doing bicep curls, or more like doing squats? I’m not sure. And I’m not sure that anyone else is sure, either!

Blame the Victim?

Yet another objection, fifthly, is that talking about mental exercise may lead to sufferers being “blamed” for their Alzheimer’s. The idea here is that some people might conclude that if John Doe has dementia, then he must have been mentally inactive or lazy.

Sometimes you may read comparisons to smoking. People who smoke are at higher risk of lung cancer. So, if a smoker gets lung cancer, then he or she assumes some of the responsibility for that condition.

By way of response, I should first remind readers that Alzheimer’s risk almost certainly has a – probably a significant – genetic component. (See my video about risk factors HERE; or read the article on the same topic HERE.) To put it differently, some people are simply more at risk than others of developing it.

Having said that, I will simply repeat what I have mentioned many times in my written and video-graphic work: I am trying to stack the odds in my favor. I realize that if I smoke, I’ll be at increased risk for lung cancer. Although the data may not be as clear cut for the relationship between mental exercise and dementia, I’ll say that for me personally I’d rather exercise, and have it avail me nothing, than not exercise and have it turn out that it would have helped me.

If other people value other things over exercising, then I would suggest that it is their prerogative to do so. In the first place, the data in favor of mental exercise is not so compelling as to make it undeniable that it helps preserve or boost cognitive function or that it can ward off Alzheimer’s.

But even if the data were that compelling, it’s not clear that someone has to value preserving or boosting cognitive function or must value warding off Alzheimer’s, over not doing any of these. I confess that such a position would be foreign to my own thinking. But it’s not something that moves me to start throwing words like “blame” around.

I suppose you could put my answer this way. If a person doesn’t perform mental exercises, it’s either because they don’t think it will help or they don’t care if it helps or not. If they don’t think it will help, then their choice not to exercise is rational. They have discharged their rational duty and it’s not obvious to me that there’s anything to blame them for.

If they don’t care, then the choice itself may be irrational (i.e., not rational). But it’s not clear why a person choosing irrationally in this way wouldn’t care if exercising helps but would care if they’re “blamed” for not caring. It seems to me more likely (or at least more consistent) if they didn’t care about either one. So, even if the choice is blameworthy, it doesn’t appear to have the result the objector is worried about. It seems that the concern in the objection is centered on the perceived hurt feelings of the person being blamed. But, to reiterate: for all we know, the person who doesn’t care about not exercising wouldn’t care about being blamed for not exercising. If this is so, then it’s not obvious that there would be any hurt feelings for us to worry about.

Conclusions (Tentative)

One article ventured the opinion “that lifestyle choices may even counteract genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s.” If true, that’s huge.[30] And it would put a lot of control in our hands.

Here are a few takeaways.

Train the Whole Brain

But staying mentally fit and sharp may really come down to neural recruitment: using multiple parts of your brain, not just a few.

Be Consistent

It’s also going to involve consistency. Many reports mention the need to engage in stimulating activities regularly – say two or more times weekly – not just every blue moon.

Try Something New

Another key element is novelty. Sometimes trying something new may be more valuable than doing the same things over and over. There may be two “levels” of novelty. Think about some of the things on this list. For example, chess or reading. Every game of chess you play has the possibility of being different from every other game. And if you read new articles or books every day, you are adding some variety. However, we might call this low-level variety. A higher level of variety can be attained if you learn a new language or musical instrument, for example. Interestingly, there may be a kind of middle level as well. For example, a person could switch from reading fiction to nonfiction, or from reading prose to reading poetry.

Act as Though It’s ‘Use It Or Lose It’

As the Independent put it: “use it or lose it” idea may just “give a person a ‘higher starting point’ from which to decline.” But this still seems advantageous.

Realize: ‘Better Late Than Never’

Some commentators express the message that its always “better late than never.” But you should probably take the position that it’s desirable to start now! This applies to you whether you are a sufferer or a person looking to avoid the condition altogether.

No Silver Bullets

Still, neither I nor most other researchers are suggesting that any of these measures amounts to a “cure.”

Aim to Have a Healthy Lifestyle

Additionally, these mental activities almost certainly need to be situated in a larger context – a “lifestyle package,” as it were. Genetic predisposition notwithstanding, if you really want to stack the odds in your favor, you’ll need to address your blood pressure, body mass, cholesterol, diet, level of physical exercise, and sleep patterns.

I can tell you that I’m implementing a number of these measures today. Most of the items on this list are cheap (or free) and easy to obtain. And after all that’s been said, I think it’s reasonable to maintain that they can’t hurt. And some of them just might help. So…go on: give your brain a good workout!

[1] See, e.g., Chiara Giordano, “Doing Sudoku and Crosswords Won’t Stop Dementia or Mental Decline, Study Suggests,” Dec. 11, 2018, <https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/sudoku-crosswords-dementia-mental-decline-brain-study-aberdeen-university-research-a8677466.html>.

[2] Giordano, loc. cit.

[3] Felix Gussone, “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Alzheimer’s,” CNN, Jul. 17, 2014, <https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/14/health/alzheimers-disease-conference/index.html>.

[4] See, e.g., Margaret Gatz, Educating the Brain to Avoid Dementia: Can Mental Exercise Prevent Alzheimer Disease?” Public Library of Science, vol. 2, no. 1, Jan. 25, 2005, p. e7, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC545200/>.

[5] Amy Marcus, “How to Outsmart Alzheimer’s,” Wall Street Journal, Mar. 30, 2010, <https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703416204575145921517534304>.

[6] Allison Aubrey, “Mental Stimulation Postpones, Then Speeds Dementia,” National Public Radio, Weekend Ed. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, <https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129628082>.

[7] Ivan Vega, “‘Checkmate the Onset of Dementia’: Prescribing Chess to Elderly People as a Primary Prevention of Dementia,” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Jan. 25, 2019, <https://www.j-alz.com/editors-blog/posts/checkmate-onset-dementia>.

[8] Gussone, loc. cit.

[9] According to Jagan Pillai, Charles Hall, Dennis Dickson, Herman Buschke, Richard Lipton, and Joe Verghese, “Association of Crossword Puzzle Participation with Memory Decline in Persons Who Develop Dementia,” Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, vol. 17, no. 6, Nov., 2011, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3885259/>.

[10] At least, this is the assertion of the weblog Puerto Rico Report, in the post “Bilingual America,” Aug. 11, 2017, <https://www.puertoricoreport.com/bilingual-america>.

[11] Ingrid Piller, “Multilingual Europe,” Language on the Move, Jul. 18, 2012, <https://www.languageonthemove.com/multilingual-europe/>.

[12] The precise time of onset can be extremely difficult to identify.

[13] Ryan Jaslow, “Learning Another language May Help Delay Dementia,” CBS, Nov. 6, 2013, <https://www.cbsnews.com/news/learning-another-language-may-help-delay-dementia/>.

[14] Ibid.

[15] Giordano, loc. cit.

[16] Rob Nelson, “Hidden Heroes: Queens 12-Year-Old Helping People With Alzheimer’s,” ABC News, Apr. 26, 2019, <https://abc7ny.com/health/hidden-heroes-queens-12-year-old-helps-people-with-alzheimers/5272644/>.

[17] Though, for the counterpoint that online reading may be detrimental, see “‘The Shallows’: This Is Your Brain Online,” National Public Radio, All Things Considered, Jun. 2, 2010, <https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127370598>.

[18] “A Brain Scientist Who Studies Alzheimer’s Explains How She Stays Mentally Fit,” National Public Radio, Morning Ed., Oct. 8, 2018, <https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/10/08/654903558/a-brain-scientist-who-studies-alzheimers-explains-how-she-stays-mentally-fit>.

[19] “A Brain Scientist Who Studies Alzheimer’s Explains How She Stays Mentally Fit,” loc. cit.

[20] “Sudoku or Crosswords May Help Keep Your Brain 10 Years Younger,” Healthline, n.d., <https://www.healthline.com/health-news/can-sudoku-actually-keep-your-mind-sharp>.

[21] Helen Brooker, Keith Wesnes, Clive Ballard, Adam Hampshire, Dag Aarsland, Zunera Khan, Rob Stenton, Maria Megalogeni, and Anne Corbett, “The Relationship Between the Frequency of Number‐Puzzle Use and Baseline Cognitive Function in a Large Online Sample of Adults Aged 50 and Over,” International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, vol. 34, no. 7, publ. in print Jul. 2019, pp. 932-940, publ. online Feb. 11, 2019, <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/gps.5085>.

[22] “A Brain Scientist Who Studies Alzheimer’s Explains How She Stays Mentally Fit,” loc. cit.

[23] Ibid.

[24] Again, onset detection is not a little tricky.

[25] Both ideas – “boosting brain function” and “preserving brain function” – are a little vague and would need to be sharpened to be of greater use. However, my model is merely trying to show that the “higher rates of decline” spoken about in some articles might well be nothing to worry about. So, I have abstracted away from some of the details because I don’t think they’re necessary for the point.

[26] This raises the issue of how we would actually be able to measure cognitive ability. There are various assessment tests. But it is possible that these assessments fail, for one reason or other, to paint a true or complete picture of a person’s cognitive situation. This is simply a model.

[27] This choice was arbitrary.

[28] I realize that I opted to display the graph with curved lines. This was simply an esthetic choice since when I used straight lines, the lines overlapped in places and couldn’t be easily distinguished. The information is simply sample and hypothetical data for illustrative purposes only. It could be represented with straight lines. And if it were represented this way, then the resulting lines would have calculable slopes in the usual sense.

[29] As a side note, the red line also represents a case in which a person exercises, but it fails to boost their brain function or preserve it at all. So, you’ll notice that if the exercises are utterly ineffective, you’re no worse off than you would be had you not exercised at all. You might think that you would have wasted your time. I suppose this boils down to whether you find any of the exercises enjoyable – or potentially enjoyable – or not. But even still, personally, it strikes me as improbable that mental exercises would do nothing whatsoever. Readers may think differently.

[30] More scientific study and philosophical reflection is needed, however. Some studies abstract away from possibly relevant data, including economic, educational, genetic, intelligence, and sociological factors.

The post 12 Mental Exercises for Staving Off Alzheimer’s (POSSIBLY) appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

In other posts (see, e.g., HERE and HERE), I’ve pointed out that some researchers suspect that certain varieties of dementia might be precipitated by exposure to toxins. “Exposure,” here, could be contact with things (from metals and mold to herbicides and pesticides) in the environment. Or it could possibly be due to drinking contaminated water or taking particular (and “hepatotoxic”[1] – see below) pharmaceuticals over a long period of time. Toxins may build up inside of your body over time. So, the question arises: Can “detoxication,” or the process of ridding your body of toxins, be a part of Alzheimer’s treatment or prevention?

In line with my “betting strategy” – that is, my emphasis on things to try to improve your odds of Alzheimer’s avoidance or Alzheimer’s survival – I’m going to say: Tentatively… yes.

The liver is of utmost importance, here.[2] As one herbalist put it: “The liver is your toxic-waste disposal plant.”[3] But there are many things that can go wrong with it. One manual[4] listed the four main reasons for liver strain or outright failure.

• Exposure to poisons and toxins. Acute poisoning is occasionally a concern – particularly for a cognitively impaired individual. But the chief difficulty comes from chronic exposure. Even low quantities of a mildly toxic substance can have deleterious and detrimental, cumulative effects over long periods of time. To read additional information about the potential dangers of home-related toxins, see my article, HERE. For my database of household hazards, see HERE. (For plant poisons and allergy-triggering plants, see HERE and HERE.)
• Inadequate diet/poor nutrition. Diets lacking in essential minerals and vitamins cannot support healthy liver function – or healthy brain function, for that matter. You’ll want to avoid or reduce “junk” foods – especially processed and sugar-rich foods. For more specifics on what (and what not) to eat, see my article on the Alzheimer’s “MIND Diet,” HERE.
• Overindulgence in food/alcohol. Overeating and long-term alcohol use both heavily tax the liver. Readers interested in pursuing the alcohol angle, can click HERE.
• Chronic drug use or abuse. This category includes such substances as caffeine as well as prescription drugs.

It is interesting to think about these categories in relation to the three hypothesized “subtypes” of Alzheimer’s Disease. (For more on this speculative taxonomy, see HERE.) These are:

• Inflammatory Type I Alzheimer’s
• Nutrient-Deficiency Type II Alzheimer’s
• Brain-Toxicity Type III Alzheimer’s

Clearly, here, we’re focused on the hypothetical third type. If there really is a variety of Alzheimer’s that can be precipitated by exposure to environmental (or other) toxins, then it would be helpful to have some strategy in place for periodic liver (and other) detoxification.

One aspect of this can be addressed with various herbal and nutritional supplements. So, without any further ado, here is my list of some important supplements with reputations as detoxifiers.

The Top Thirty (30) Detoxification Supplements

1.     Apple Pectin (from Malus pumila)

To put is simply, “pectin” is a plant-based fiber. Usually found in fruits, pectin is often found in the baking aisle of your local supermarket, since (among other things) it’s used for thickening homemade jelly. (It’s also incorporated into certain cosmetic products, such as makeup “foundation” and hair conditioner, as well as pharmaceutical drugs, for example anti-diarrheal medications.)

Apples are one of the principal sources of pectin. And, apropos of our present topic, it turns out that Apple Pectin “[h]elps to detoxify heavy metals.”[5] It’s also available in capsule form.

2.     Arginine (L-Arginine)

Arginine is often employed for cardiovascular difficulties – for example, poor blood flow or circulation. But it also “[h]elps to detoxify ammonia, a by-product of protein digestion that can accumulate when the liver isn’t functioning correctly.”[6]

3.     Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Artichoke has been used medicinally by traditional healers. For one thing, it is reputed have anti-oxidant qualities. It’s also been employed similarly to Asparagus (see below) as a “hangover” cure. One reason for this is that is supposed to stimulate the liver’s production of bile.

But, along with Dandelion and Milk Thistle (and other herbs) Artichoke is also supposed to be a potent liver detoxifier. “Globe artichoke leaf has been used traditionally to increase bile flow and act as a protective agent against various toxins.”[7]

“In particular Globe Artichoke leaves have a well-established reputation for restoring liver health…”.[8] One herbalist effused: “You can – and should – literally inundate your diet with every sort of artichoke as much as possible. These products love your liver.”[9]

4.     Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

Asparagus is widely regarded as a potent alcohol “hangover” remedy. But, according to at least one peer-reviewed scientific journal, among its other “biological functions” is “the protection of liver cells” against various toxins.[10] In other words, it’s got detoxification qualities.

5.     Beet, Garden (Beta vulgaris vulgaris)

Believe it or not, Beets have been used as detoxifying agents for hundreds of years. “Betalains, particularly betanin, are powerful stimulators of the body’s own …detoxification enzymes that …help clear the system of environmental toxins known as xenobiotics – chemicals foreign to living organisms.”[11]

6.     Birch, American White (Betula pubescens)

This one lies a little off the beaten path. It’s sometimes recommended for joint problems. Herbalists Julie Bruton-Seal and Matthew Seal write that “[t]he fresh leaves or buds or birch offer a powerful …tea for general detoxing…”.[12] Birch is supposed to help get rid of toxins from the blood (similar to Burdock) and the kidneys/urinary tract (like Dandelion and Stinging Nettle).

7.     Broccoli (Brassica oleracea italica)

Wow: Broccoli! What to say?

It’s supposed to be a fantastic place to get Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9) – which is itself reputed to be an Alzheimer’s-proofing vitamin. (See “Top 10 Nutrient and Vitamin Supplements for Alzheimer’s.”)

Along with other green vegetables such as Cabbage (Brassica capitata), Brussels Sprouts (Brassica gemmifera), Kale (Brassica sabellica), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and so on, Broccoli is a fixture of the Alzheimer’s-friendly “MIND Diet.” (For much more detail on that – including specific recommendations – see HERE.)

But, wouldn’t you know it? Broccoli – at least in its “microgreen” form – is also reported to be a detoxifying agent. “Sulphoraphane, from broccoli-sprout extract, …stimulate[s] the body’s production of detoxification enzymes…”.[13] (For additional information on microgreens, see HERE and HERE.)

As a bonus, Broccoli’s sulphoraphane is also being investigated as a cancer-fighter. So, eat up! (Pinch your nose if you have to.)

8.     Burdock (Arctium lappa)

This is one of the top five detoxifiers, for sure. It may have a salubrious effect on the liver and other organs, but it’s really known a tonic for the blood.

“Burdock is a significant detoxing herb in both Western and Chinese medicinal traditions.”[14] “Burdock root, Dandelion root, Milk Thistle, and Red Clover all… aid in cleansing the blood-stream. …Burdock, echinacea, horsetail, and licorice[15] have detoxifying properties.”[16]

9.     Calendula (Calendula Officinalis)

Calendula is typically recommended for digestion-related conditions. For instance, it might be administered for various bowel and intestinal inflammations, gastro-esophageal reflux disease i.e., GERD), or even ulcers of one kind or another.

For our purposes, I note that some sources flatly report that “Calendula is a cleansing and detoxifying herb…”.[17]

10. Charcoal (Activated carbon)

This one is a bit different from some of the others on this list. First of all, it’s not an herb. Though, neither are Arginine, Citrulline, or Coenzyme-A (which see). Secondly, unlike Dandelion, Milk Thistle, and Yellow Dock, it doesn’t stimulate bile (that is, it’s not a choleretic). And charcoal doesn’t really get “circulated” throughout the body.

Instead, it basically passes straight through the digestive system. It basically works by physically encountering foreign or unwanted substances and absorbing them. Activated charcoal is ideal for this, since it has a huge and highly absorbent surface area.

Charcoal is sometimes administered in emergency rooms for certain types of acute poisonings or overdoses, such as from barbiturates, benzodiazepines, sedatives, and the like of that.

It doesn’t work on a lot of substances – for example, acids, cyanide, ethanol, or heavy metals. And it has to be ingested shortly after the poisonous substance was swallowed. It won’t work too long after exposure.

Additionally, if you take it alongside prescription medication – or even with your dinner – it may prevent your body from absorbing the drug or nutrients that you need.

Still, for all the caveats, I think that it’s good to have on hand… just in case.

11. Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

“Similar to dandelion, chicory also possesses liver cleansing and detoxifying properties.”[18] “Traditional foods that are noted for their beneficial effects on the liver include the bitter leaves of dandelion and chicory.”[19]

12. Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris)

Alternative-medical guru Joseph Mercola states that “Chlorella …is one of the most powerful detoxification…” herbs.[20] He even opines that it specializes in ridding the body of heavy metals – including mercury. (See more on heavy-metal poisoning, see HERE and HERE.)

Another writer underscores this, writing: “Chlorella works to clear the body of toxins, heavy metals and poisons.”[21]

13. Chrysanthemum/Ju Hua Cha/Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

This one comes from Asian medicine. Recently, the New York-based, Chinese-American newspaper Epoch Times reported that “chrysanthemum …helps to support the liver …[and] eliminate toxins… [Chrysanthemum tea] purifies the blood and improves blood flow. It detoxifies the liver and helps to improve vision and hearing.”[22]

A few other Chinese herbals should receive honorable mentions as detoxifying agents. Huang Lian (Rhizoma coptidis), Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae), Ling Nut (Trapa natans), and Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae) stick out in this regard. If you have a special affinity for traditional Asian medicine, then you might want these to your cabinet as well.

14. Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Like Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Cilantro is mostly employed as a spice. Also like basil, it is frequently used for digestive ailments, including cramps and gas. It also helps with bad breath – as does Parsley (Petroselinum crispum).

Recently, however, Cilantro has gained recognition as a “chelator.” Very roughly, chelation is a biochemical process whereby a substance – usually a metal – is converted into a form in which it can be excreted from the body. One danger of metals in the body is that they may be stored and build to toxic levels. So, the thinking goes, if we’ve been exposed to, or ingested, metals, then we may require chelation in order to rid ourselves of the offending material and guard against its lasting ill effects.

And… you probably guessed it. Cilantro is now regarded in some circles as facilitating this chelation process.

According to one source, Cilantro facilitated the excretion of aluminum, lead, and mercury.[23] As Balch notes: “Chlorella and cilantro are helpful for absorbing toxic metals.”[24]

15. Citrulline (Citrulline Malate; L-Citrulline)

Citrulline is used for a variety of ailments and conditions, many of which revolve around bodily weakness or debility, including chronic fatigue, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction. Because of these uses, Citrulline is also favored by athletes.

For our purposes, I note that “Citrulline …detoxifies ammonia, which damages living cells.”[25]

16. Clover, Red & White (Trifolium pratense & Trifolium repens)

“In traditional herbal terms, red clover is an ‘alterative.’ This means that it cleanses and detoxifies the system.”[26] White Clover is simply a sister species. Hint: You might have it growing in your yard. Don’t kill it. And, for goodness sakes, don’t expose yourself to pesticides. Why not harvest it; and eat it?

17. Coenzyme A (C₂₁H₃₆N₇O₁₆P₃S)

This one is fairly complex. First of all, its actually generated in the body so long as one’s Vitamin-B-5 levels are optimal. “Taken as a supplement, coenzyme A …supports the manufacture of substances critical for the brain…”.[27] And, yep… it helps “remove toxins from the body.”[28]

18. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

One of the several “weeds” on this list, it is rich in vitamins. “The young leaves boiled up into a tea or eaten fresh in salads are detoxifiers…”.[29] And, once again… the stuff grows like a weed. But, don’t treat it like one! It’s a detox powerhouse.

19. Dimethylglycine (DMG)

Recent scientific research suggests that “DMG can protect the liver… [and] aid in detoxification.”[30] As an added bonus, and like Folic Acid (see HERE) DMG reportedly also helps to decrease homocysteine in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid that, in high amounts, supposedly increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s as well as cardiovascular conditions.

20. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is reputed to address (and prevent) heart disease and high blood pressure. It’s long been known as a powerful antibiotic. And many insist that it has anti-viral properties as well.

I have also written about it as a good addition to your Alzheimer’s regimen for other reasons. (See my “Top 25 Herbs for Treating (and Avoiding) Alzheimer’s”.) In addition to all this, writer Phyllis Balch calls garlic “[a] potent detoxifier.”[31]

21. Glutathione (C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S)

Glutathione is an antioxidant that actually produced by the liver. However, it is possible to supplement with it. You might wish to do so on the theory that it will give your body a possibly much-needed detoxification assist.

One source had this amazing testimony to share. “So powerful is the antioxidant protection offered by …glutathione that it was able to prevent amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in …[a] laboratory model…”.[32]

Glutathione is sometimes administered intravenously to cancer patients. At the present time, there is not a huge amount of evidence about the effectiveness of taking supplements orally. But, as periodically reassert, I am merely trying to raise the probability that I will avoid Alzheimer’s Disease (and other forms of dementia). I’m not necessarily going to wait until Glutathione has gone through all the requisite clinical trials. If it’s safe – and from the information that I have laid eyes on – it appears to be, then I see its use on the level of a “bet.” I’m just stacking the odds in my favor as much as possible.

According to Balch, Glutathione “[a]ids in detoxifying” the body with a special emphasis on “reducing …the harmful effects …[of] drugs” of various kinds.[33]

Although I haven’t read this specifically in relation to Glutathione, you sometimes have to be careful supplementing with compounds that are produced by your own body. The reason, if I understand correctly, is that when your body produces a substance, it also monitors that substances levels with an aim toward regulating them and maintaining homeostasis. So, sometimes what can happen (and this may occur with hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and even melatonin) is that when you supplement with a substance, your body dials down (or shuts off) its own production of that substance. I’m not entirely sure that this applies to Glutathione, but I submit that it’s something you might want to keep in the back of your mind. Perhaps it might be best to take it periodically.[34]

22. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green Tea is chock full of antioxidants. Specifically, it contains a kind of plant-derived “micronutrient” (i.e., a nutrient that humans require only in small, or “trace,” amounts) called a polyphenol.

“Tea polyphenols support the liver’s enzyme detoxification system, which eliminates free radicals and toxins from the body.”[35]

23. Lemon Water (Citrus × limon + H₂O)

Lemon can also “[increase] oxygenation levels,”[36] which can have a neuroprotective effect on the brain. Furthermore, for those who are brave and inclined to try it, lemon water can also be used as an enema.[37]

24. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Also sometimes called St. Mary’s Thistle, “Milk thistle helps to detoxify the liver.”[38] In fact, it’s such a powerful liver-supporting agent that it can even be used for “the treatment and prevention of fibrosis and cirrhosis”.[39]

Milk Thistle should not be confused with Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus), which also has some cleansing/detoxifying properties.[40]

25. Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)

Oregon Grape is “a general tonic” that has been used in traditional healing to address both kidney and liver issues.[41] “Oregon grape root detoxifies the body…”.[42]

26. Pau D’Arco (Handroanthus impetiginosus)

“Pau d’arco …has detoxifying properties.”[43] Among this is its capability as a laxative/purgative. It shares this property along with other herbs such as Aloe (Aloe barbadensis), Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana),[44] Fumitory (for which, see the entry, above) and Senna (Cassia senna). Even Dandelion (also see above), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and Yellow Dock (see below) have mild laxative qualities.

27. Spirulina (Arthrospira maxima & Arthrospira platensis)

Although it’s sometimes called “blue-green algae,” Spirulina appears to be a kind of “good bacterium” that falls under the general category of cyanobacteria. Word on the interwebs has it that this stuff can be extremely potent as a heavy-metal detoxifier.[45]

28. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

“Modern-day naturopaths …use depuratives such as urtica [sic] to improve detoxification and elimination, thus helping to reduce accumulated metabolic waste products in the body.”[46] (A “depurative” is a purifying or detoxifying herb.)

29. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Predominantly known as a potent anti-inflammatory herb,[47] Turmeric is revealing that it also many other surprising qualities. As I have written elsewhere (see HERE, HERE, and HERE), this inflammation-fighting activity may be quite useful if it turns out that (some forms of) Alzheimer’s are precipitated by brain inflammation.

In any case, it also has been suggested that Turmeric – specifically its curcuminoids – has various “detoxifying properties”.[48]

30. Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)

Yellow Dock, also sometimes called Curly Dock, is regarded as an anti-inflammatory. It’s also prized for its purgative effects – particularly on the digestive system. However, of primary interest to us, here, is the fact that the cleansing ability of Yellow Dock “make[s] it an ideal liver-detox treatment…”.[49] This puts Yellow Dock in a class along with Dandelion, Milk Thistle, Red Clover and others on this list.

Five (5) Runners-up

1.     Boldo (Peumus boldus)

Boldo is supposedly useful for many digestive ailments. For example, it may be used to calm gastrointestinal upset and cramps. In this way, it is perhaps not unlike Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus), also known as Crampbark. It may also kill bacteria and intestinal worms, like Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium).[50]

Unfortunately, also like these other plants, Boldo is sometimes said to be harmful in large amounts – or over a long time. So, take care.

Still, one writer comments that among its “rumored …benefits …is …detoxing the liver.”[51]

2.     Cysteine (L-Cysteine) & N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

Researcher Phyllis Balch notes that Cysteine, and its sister, L-Cystine, “are important in detoxification.”[52] Ditto for their close cousin, NAC.[53]

Still, it’s a runner up on my list because of its uncertain relationship with homocysteine. As one scientific article puts it: “Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular diseases share a common risk factor, elevated blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid which becomes elevated by inadequate dietary intakes of vitamins B2, B6, B9 (folate) and B12.”[54]

If you keep your Vitamin-B levels up, you should be fine. (For more information, see “Top Ten (10) Nutrient & Vitamin Supplements for Alzheimer’s.”) But… be mindful.

3.     Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)

Fumitory is often used in homeopathic preparations. I underlined homeopathic in order to emphasize it. The basic difference between “homeopathy” and its complementary approach, allopathy, is this. In allopathic medicine, physicians treat symptoms by dispensing substances that produce opposite effects to those perceived by the physician. For example, if you have a fever, an allopath will prescribe a fever-reducer. Allopathic preparations tend to have quite a lot of active ingredient.

In homeopathic medicine, by contrast, a doctor will treat conditions by administering substances that tend to produce the same symptoms that are observed. However, in homeopathy, the amount of the substance is vanishingly tiny.

So, one might see the toxic Mercury (Hg) in certain homeopathic eardrops. And, as stated, fumitory, which contains the toxin fumarin, must be given carefully, under competent supervision, and only in minute quantities. Because of the danger, I can only conscionably list it as a “runner up.”

That said, it is still true that, along with Artichoke and Dandelion, Fumitory is sometimes listed as a potent “cholagogue,” that is, a substance that serves to “increase the flow and release of store bile from the gallbladder by stimulating gallbladder contraction.”[55] I advise you to consult a medical professional. Use Fumitory only with extreme caution.

4.     Ginseng, Chinese (Panax ginseng)

This is a bit of a change. To my knowledge, Ginseng isn’t poisonous or toxic in usual doses. And some sources list it as a detox agent.[56]

My main problem is that I simply couldn’t find a whole lot on Ginseng’s detoxifying activities. Ginseng is far better known as an “adaptagen” and a “revitalizer.”

Nevertheless, it’s arguably good for Alzheimer’s in general. “The German Commission E and the World Health Organization both approve Panax ginseng for use …in times of …declining capacity for work and concentration.”[57] For more information, see HERE, HERE, and HERE.

But, be advised: The name “Ginseng” is applied to at least nineteen (19) different plants! For a discussion, see my article, HERE.

5.     Methionine (L-Methionine)

Methionine assists the body in ridding itself of “harmful toxins.”[58] However, this has to be carefully tracked, since Methionine can convert to Homocysteine in the body, which (according to those in some research sectors) can increase a person’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s.[59]

Final Remarks

It is sometimes said that a farmer doesn’t grow a crop; he or she merely superintends while the plant grows itself. Likewise, some maintain that a doctor doesn’t heal the body. He or she just oversees while the body heals itself.

As I began by stating, the main job of detoxification is handled by your liver. Even so, your liver requires support. And it turns out “that a variety of natural compounds [activate] and [amplify] …the production …of protective and life-sustaining detoxification enzymes and antioxidants. Among these are curcumin, which comes from turmeric; green tea extract; resveratrol; sulphoraphane, derived from broccoli; and the omega-3 fat, DHA.” (For much more on Resveratrol, see HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE. And for more on Omega-3 Fatty Acids, see HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.)

Many of these supplements – and others enumerated, above – have little to no listed side effects, can be easily obtained, and (therefore) can be added in to your diet with little difficulty.

However, supplements are not magical. An herbal capsule or tea cannot make up for poor overall nutrition and cannot undo (at least, not overnight) a lifetime of dietary (or other) damage.

The moral of this story is this: Structure your Alzheimer’s-support and detoxification plan around a good diet. Accept no substitute.

Eat your veggies! As mentioned previously, the Alzheimer’s-friendly “MIND Diet” revolves heavily around the consumption of greens and miscellaneous vegetables.

Many of these have detoxing properties. “The commonly prescribed ones are carrot, celery and beetroot (often with a little ginger root), green vegetable juices with mint for increased detoxification. Chlorella (algae) can be added to this …for a real detoxification boost.”

Additionally, you’ll want to consume good quality fruits. Berries are especially good, here. The Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and the Chilean Wineberry, or Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) are standouts. I go into these HERE.

And you’ll definitely want to lay off (or entirely eliminate) the junk and processed food in your diet.

For a LOT more information on the dos and don’ts of dementia-prevention and dementia-treatment dieting, see my dedicated article: “The Alzheimer’s ‘MIND Diet’: What Should You Eat?”

Notes:

[1] This word means toxic to the liver. The Greek word for “liver” was hepar. Cognates of this word – for instance, “hepatic” – routinely show up in herbal and medical dictionaries.

[2] Many of the herbs (and other substances) on my list focus on liver detoxification. But some also help to purify other bodily systems – for instance, the circulatory and excretory systems. For herbs that give an assist to our nervous systems, see HERE.

[3] Jack Ritchason, The Little Herb Encyclopedia, 3^rd ed., Pleasant Grove, Utah: Woodland Health Books, 1995, p. 147.

[4] Phyllis Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 5th ed., New York: Avery; Penguin, 2010.

[5] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, p. 799.

[6] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, p. 337.

[7] Leah Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, Sydney, Australia: Elsevier Australia, 2012, p. 991, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA991>.

[8] Patricia Loh, Detox At Home: How to Get Rid Of Harmful Toxins From Your Body, Malaysia: Oak Publ. 2016, p. 29.

[9] Lloyd Wright, Triumph Over Hepatitis C: An Alternative Medicine Solution, India: Unistar Books, 2002, p. 204.

[10] See, e.g., B. Kim, Z. Cui, S. Lee, S. Kim, H. Kang, Y. Lee, D. Park, “Effects of Asparagus officinalis Extracts on Liver Cell Toxicity and Ethanol Metabolism,” Journal of Food Science, vol. 74, no. 7, Sept. 2009, pp. H204-H208, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19895471>.

[11] Nathan Bryan and Carolyn Pierini, Beet The Odds, Austin, Tex.: Neogenis Laboratories, 2013, <https://books.google.com/books?id=pI9VDQAAQBAJ>.

[12] Julie Bruton-Seal & Matthew Seal, Backyard Medicine: Harvest and Make Your Own Herbal Remedies, New York: Castle Books; Quarto Publ., 2012, p. 14.

[13] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 258.

[14] Bruton-Seal & Seal, Backyard Medicine, op. cit., p. 22.

[15] For more on Licorice, see HERE. Licorice is related to Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), which also has some detoxification actions.

[16] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., pp. 258 and 800.

[17] Disha Arora, Anita Rani, and Anupam Sharma, “A Review on Phytochemistry and Ethnopharmacological Aspects of Genus Calendula,” Pharmacognosy Reviews, vol. 7, no. 14, Jul.-Dec. 2013, pp. 179-187, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841996/>.

[18] Steph Zabel, “Chicory (Cichorium intybus Asteraceae): A Root for the Season,” Cambridge Naturals, Dec. 1, 2015, <https://www.cambridgenaturals.com/blog/chicory>.

[19] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 253, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA253>.

[20] “Chlorella: Use This Superfood to Help Remove Mercury From Your Tissues in Weeks,” Mercola [dot] com, Jan. 2, 2012, <https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/01/02/is-this-one-of-natures-most-powerful-detoxification-tools.aspx>.

[21] Beth Ley, Chlorella: The Ultimate Green Food: Nature’s Richest Source of Chlorophyll, DNA & RNA, Detroit Lakes, Minn.: BL Publ., 2003, p. 10.

[22] Margaret Trey, “Detox With Chrysanthemum Tea,” Epoch Times, Jun. 1, 2014; updated Oct. 25, 2018, <https://www.theepochtimes.com/detox-with-chrysanthemum-tea_706908.html>.

[23] Bruce Fife, Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing, Colorado Springs, Colo. Piccadilly Books, 2008, p. 144, <https://books.google.com/books?id=18bdNQAACAAJ&pg=pa144>.

[24] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 555.

[25] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 58. See also Lihua Zhu, Effects of Hepatic Triglyceride Accumulation on Hepatic Metabolism with Referance to Periparturient Cows, dissertation, Department of Dairy Science, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wis., 1999, pp. 7ff, <https://books.google.com/books?id=mDPZAAAAMAAJ>.

[26] “Historic Herbs: Red Clover for Hormone Balance and Detoxification,” Holland Landing Health Centre, Sept. 1, 2017, <https://hlhc.ca/news/historic-herbs-red-clover-hormone-balance-detoxification/>.

[27] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 79.

[28] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 308. See also David Jockers, “8 Proven Ways to Improve Your Detoxification System,” DrJockers [dot] com, n.d., <https://drjockers.com/improve-detoxification-system/>.

[29] Bruton-Seal & Seal, Backyard Medicine, op. cit., p. 52.

[30] Roger Kendall and John Lawson, “Recent Findings on N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG): A Nutrient for the New Millennium,” Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Port Townsend, Wash., MAY 2000; reproduced on VetriScience [dot] com, <https://www.vetriscience.com/white_papers/DMG_Townsend%20letter_2000.pdf>. This is seconded by Balch, who notes that DMG “detoxifies the body” and also “[e]hances immunity,” Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 725.

[31] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 282.

[32] David Perlmutter and Alberto Villoldo, Power up Your Brain: The Neuroscience of Enlightenment, Carlsbad, Cal.: Hay House, 2011, p. 104, <https://books.google.com/books?id=pnn43II86MgC&pg=PA104>.

[33] In context, Balch is writing about substance-abuse situations. But, frankly, one of the reasons that Glutathione may be give to cancer patients is because chemotherapeutic drugs are among the most dangerous and damaging compounds our bodies can be exposed to (without immediate death). So, my guess is that Glutathione may be effective for detoxing from both prescription and nonprescription drugs – whether they are legal or illegal.

[34] This is sometimes referred to as “cycling.” You might take it once a week, for instance. Or you might take it every day for a week and then not again for two weeks. It’s probably wise to seek the advice of a medical professional or nutritionist. I am neither!

[35] Lester Mitscher and Victoria Toews, The Green Tea Book, New York: Avery; Penguin, 2008, <https://books.google.com/books?id=b3GOBLdPoxYC>.

[36] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 373, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA373>.

[37] See Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 339. Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) and Coffee (e.g., Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora) also make for good detoxification enemas.

[38] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 390.

[39] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 267, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA267>.

[40] See, e.g., Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 131.

[41] Anthony J. Cichoke, Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies: A Comprehensive Guide to the Native American Tradition of Using Herbs and the Mind/Body/Spirit Connection for Improving Health and Well-Being, New York: Avery; Penguin, 2001, <https://books.google.com/books?id=WQuy8Qgib9AC>.

[42] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 369.

[43] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 800.

[44] Cascara Sagrada is also sometimes listed as a cleansing/detoxifying agent. (Ibid., p. 131.) However, because of its laxative action, it should probably be used carefully.

[45] Elizabeth Walling, “Natural Heavy Metal Detox With Chlorella and Spirulina,” The Nourished Life (blog), Oct. 13, 2018, <https://livingthenourishedlife.com/natural-heavy-metal-detox-with/>.

[46] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 515, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA515>.

[47] P. Ravindran, K. Babu, Kandaswamy Sivaraman, Turmeric: The Genus Curcuma, Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press; Taylor & Francis, 2007, p. 267, <https://books.google.com/books?id=P2ykHQi6RvMC&pg=pa267>.

[48] Ibid.

[49] Bruton-Seal & Seal, Backyard Medicine, op. cit., p. 48.

[50] Wormwood, like Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), has the ability to kill intestinal parasites. However, dosage is key. (For more on Black Walnut, see “Allergy-Triggering Plants.”)

[51] Malia Frey, “Boldo Tea: Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations,” Very Well Fit, Feb. 21, 2019, <https://www.verywellfit.com/boldo-tea-benefits-and-side-effects-4163849>.

[52] Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 58.

[53] See “Top 9 Benefits of NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine),” HealthLine, n.d., <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nac-benefits>.

[54] Eddie Vos and Kilmer McCully, “Alzheimer’s Disease: Still a Perplexing Problem,” BMJ [The British Medical Journal], Jul 8, 2014, <https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g4433>.

[55] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 110, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA110>.

[56] See, e.g., Steven Schechter, Fighting Radiation & Chemical Pollutants With Foods, Herbs & Vitamins: Documented Natural Remedies That Boost Your Immunity & Detoxify, Encinitas, Cal.: Vitalty, Ink [sic], 1991, p. 68, <https://books.google.com/books?id=SBMNAQAAMAAJ>.

[57] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 1121, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA1121>.

[58] See, e.g., Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, op. cit., p. 337; cf. p. 524.

[59] Hechtman, Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, p. 1092, <https://books.google.com/books?id=Z9cMOSbgozIC&pg=PA1092>.

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The prevailing idea behind this third subtype of Alzheimer’s is this. It’s conceivable that we may experience brain deterioration and cognitive decline as reactions to contact with environmental (or other) toxins. So, I thought that it might perhaps be helpful to catalog various, possibly harmful or noxious perils that are commonly encountered in an at-home setting. These range from allergens and cleaning chemicals to gases, metals, and substances (like drain-clearing agents and pesticides) that may be stored around the house. Along the way, I will turn at least a passing glance toward other dangers – like fire and tripping hazards – that present particular risks for mentally (and physically) impaired individuals.

I will do all this over several pages and posts. This is merely an introduction. Let’s dive in.

For my database of dementia-related household hazards, click HERE.

Remove or Guard Against ‘Contaminants’ and Other Hazards

In other places (see my articles “10 Things to Do NOW to Reduce Your Alzheimer’s Risk LATER” and “Protect Yourself Against the Coming Dementia Crisis”), I have sketched some strategies that people can use to raise their odds of avoiding Alzheimer’s Disease. I have to stress two things.

Firstly, there are no guarantees. I am merely thinking of these recommendations as bets. And, believe me, I am placing bets along with you.

Secondly, I am neither a physician nor a nutritionist. So, I am just sifting the evidences – as I run across it – and trying to get a handle on it myself. As I do this, I figure, why not put it into the kind of form that I wish I had had available to me when I first discovered that my dad (Jim) had Alzheimer’s – around ten years ago. (Click HERE for Jim’s story.)

But besides these Alzheimer’s-avoidance tactics, another thing to think about is the possibility that there are environmental and other hazards within the home.

As mentioned in the introductory paragraphs, these hazards could come in the form of toxins or other substances that may precipitate dementia. Or they may come in forms that simply make the living space more dangerous for a person who is saddled with cognitive (or physical) impairments.

Solution: Easy to Say, Hard to Do

There is a Three-Step Solution. It is fairly easily stated; it is much harder to implement.

1. Acquaint Yourself With the Principal Kinds of Hazards.
2. Scan Your Care/Living Area Looking for Those Hazards.
3. Strategize Ways to Eliminate or at Least Minimize the Relevant Risks.

Plainly, I cannot really execute point number 2 for you. You’re going to have to handle most of the leg work, there.

However, I can certainly sketch the lay of the land (so to speak), perils-wise. Or, to put it slightly less metaphorically, I can try to provide a basic guide to the sorts of hazards that you might expect to encounter in and around your home.

Additionally, I can suggest some tips for how you might best deal with the hazards that you face.

The Usual Caveats

Every scenario is different. It is likely that each family’s situation is going to involve a unique blend of hazards. There are at least four reasons why this is arguably true.

Firstly, people have different backgrounds. My dad, Jim (read “Jim’s Story”), worked at a blue-collar job for 45 years. He got used to physical labor. So, his older memories – to say nothing of his “muscle memory” – all revolved around working with his hands, tools, and so on. In his case, this meant that my family had to put a lot of time and effort into securing the garage, power tools, shed, and so on. Your loved one’s background may have points of contact with my dad’s. but chances are that it’s relevantly different in many respects. Keep in mind that these differences may direct your loved one’s attention and concerns, and that this, in turn, should shape your Alzheimer’s-proofing efforts.

Secondly, your loved one’s current health – and health history – will also play a role. Physically, all things considered given his age, my dad was able bodied. The nature of his affliction, at least initially, was more or less purely cognitive. It was therefore necessary for me to pay close attention to securing entryways, exits, windows, and so on. This was so because even though my dad’s reasoning faculties had diminished, his ability to walk around (ambulate) was intact. This led to a serious risk that he would leave the designated care area (called “eloping”) and put himself in danger. For other people whose physical capabilities had decreased, this risk may not be as pronounced.

Thirdly, if I’d have to bet, I’d say that your loved one’s Alzheimer’s (or other dementia) will affect him or her slightly differently than the same (or similar) condition would affect someone else. To rephrase: dementias affects people in different ways, presumably depending on which areas of the brain are most impacted. Of course, Alzheimer’s is essentially a brain-degenerating or brain-“wasting” disease. Predictably, different parts of the brain with be impacted for different people. To be sure, there are clusters of common symptoms. But, when it comes to Alzheimer’s-proofing, the devil can be in the details. So, in all probability, this is going to result in different practical concerns for each person.

Fourthly, every home is different. You (or your loved one’s) environment is a constellation of items, rooms, and – yes – dangers that are unique. You may have appliances that my family does not have. My dad may have kept tools that many other households don’t possess. Again, there are vast areas of overlap. Standard households will have electrical outlets, ovens, refrigerators, stoves, televisions, and so on. But I just want to underscore the fact that although I can make general statements, I cannot provide fine-tuned recommendations.

Where Does This Leave Us?

So, this series of posts is something of a mixed bag. I’m going to be concerning myself with enumerating general hazards. I will attempt to be as thorough as is feasible for me. But I will almost certainly have missed many things.

Additionally, there is a sense in which I will be able to speak more authoritatively on those hazards that my family dealt with directly. But since I am trying to be as comprehensive as I can be, there will be hazards I identify about which I will have had little practical experience.

For almost all the various chemicals, contaminants, poisons, and toxins listed, a main strategy will revolve around identification and avoidance or removal. But, on the one hand, many of the items in this post may fall more under the heading of “prevention” rather than “treatment.” (Unlike an article such as “6 Drugs That Treat Alzheimer’s and 20+ Natural Alternatives.”)

On the other hand, having a contaminant- and hazard-free environment is certainly part of caring for a loved one with any condition – dementia included. But even if it is impractical to eliminate contaminants and hazards 100%, my hope is that by addressing even a few of the things mentioned herein that we can all be just a bit better off than we were before.

The Hazards

I’m dividing the contaminants and hazards into several general categories. Find the category that is of concern or interest to you, and then click on the provided link or links to read more information.

1.     Allergens

This category includes critters like dust mites and rodents. Click for more information. as well as allergies to animals (e.g., pets or “intruders” such as rodents).

• Insects (including cockroaches, dust mites, and spiders)
• Fur and hair (mainly from pets)
• Rodents (including mice, rats, and voles)

But allergens also include food allergies. Click HERE for a list of foods that people are commonly allergic to. For general food recommendations (for dealing with and possibly avoiding Alzheimer’s), see my article on the so-called dementia “MIND Diet,” HERE.

Another big subcategory is plant-based allergens. Here, I have in mind seasonal-allergy type problems, as opposed to food problems.

• Plants (including pollen-generators and skin irritants) – Click HERE for my plant database. (For a related list of poisonous plants, see HERE.)

A couple of big takeaways, here, might be these. Number one, know your loved one’s health history. If he or she has suffered from allergies in the past, you want to know this. Number two, know your allergy symptoms. This is important in the best of circumstances, when you’re dealing with individuals who can recognize their own discomfort and communicate it to you. But it’s even more important when you may be called on to recognize signs in someone else who cannot let you know how they feel. And relatedly, number three, keep a close watch on your loved one.

2.     Electrical-Shock Hazards

Electricity has many undeniable benefits. But it also has numerous attendant risks. And they’re bad enough for adults with normal cognitive function. For dementia sufferers, the risks go up exponentially.

These hazards have to do both with the possibility of electric shock as well as with the potential for household fire.

In the former category would be such things as:

• Covered cords or wires
• Damaged Wires
• Extension-cord problems (not the right size, too long, etc.)
• Inadequate safety precautions when changing lightbulbs
• Improper appliance use
• Proximity of electricity and water
• Substandard Wiring

Again, see my general-hazards page, HERE, for more in-depth information on electricity-related perils.

As usual, the chance of mishap goes up as your loved one’s cognition goes down. Outlet covers – the sort that expectant parents use for childproofing – can provide a first layer of protection. For other suggestions, and for specific product recommendations, see HERE.

For the latter category of risks, continue reading, below.

3.     Fire Hazards

A lot of fire safety revolves around giving some potentially dangerous task your proper, and undivided, attention. But this is precisely the sort of focus that a cognitively impaired individual cannot be expected to have. Barbecuing, in-door cooking, and so on may have been a part of grandpa’s or mom’s repertoire in the past. This background may prompt your Alzheimer’s-afflicted loved one to try to continue to engage in these activities.

Possible dangers might include any of the following.

• Appliances poorly maintained (or wrongly used)
• Batteries discarded or stored improperly
• Barbecue grills too close to combustible structures or not cleaned correctly
• Chemicals and combustibles improperly discarded or stored
• Clutter heaped around – especially over appliances or cords
• Dust built up and not cleaned off (especially on Heat-producing equipment…)
• Electric Blankets left unattended (can cause burns and fires)
• Explosive vapors improperly vented
• Extension cords that are covered or are too small for their electrical loads
• Fireplaces and fire pits left unattended
• Heat-producing equipment not cooled or used correctly
• Lightbulbs mismatched in terms of wattage
• Ovens and stoves not watched diligently
• Smoking – especially indoors or around oxygen equipment
• Trash allowed to over-accumulate or positioned too close to ignition sources
• Wiring that is defective or overloaded

For more detailed information, and for suggestions for minimizing risks, see HERE.

4.     Gases

Some of the items on this list may not be the most obvious. At least, they weren’t to me. But fumes, gases, and other harmful vapors can actually pose non-negligible risks for people in their homes. Cognitive impairment only makes these perils worse.

This category pertains to household dangers such as:

• Ammonia vapors
• Bleach fumes
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Chlorine gas
• Natural gas
• Radon

Many of these substances can cause irritation to the lungs, nose, throat, and other parts of the respiratory system. At least one is a known (or suspected) carcinogen. And all this is in addition to some of the chemicals having a proclivity to cause damage to the eyes and skin.

For more information, click HERE.

5.     Metals

From copper (usually) in wiring and zinc used for roof flashing, to steel support beams and iron fences most houses contain metal everywhere. I mean: not literally everywhere. But it’s used a lot.

And metals show up in beauty products and consumable goods as well. Aluminum is often found in deodorant. Mercury is in thermometers. There are tungsten filaments in light bulbs.

Some metals – like gold and silver – are more or less inert and harmless to people.[2] Other metals – like cadmium and thallium – are pretty well toxic however you slice them. But not all metals are equally present.

Some of the most prevalent metals are as follows:

Light Metals

Among so-called “light metals,” two of the commonest are probably aluminum and titanium.

Of these, according to presently available information, the former arguably poses greater health risks.

• Aluminum

Heavy Metals

When it comes to heavier metals, two stand out as potential troublemakers in the home.

• Lead
• Mercury

To find out more about hazards posed by metals, see my general article, HERE.

6.     Mold

Mold growth typically goes hand in hand with excessive moisture. As with other items (such as various animals and plants) on this list, individuals will have varying levels of sensitivity to mold.

Some people may not experience any ill effects by being in close proximity to mold. Others may have allergic reactions ranging from mild (e.g., minor irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat; mild breathing problems – like wheezing; etc.) to sever (major breathing difficulties; coughing; and so on). Asthmatics might be more susceptible to serious health effects.

Chronic exposure to so-called “Black Mold” (Stachybotrys chartarum) is reputed to result in some of the worst effects. The stuff is said to cause fatigue, headaches, rashes, and respiratory distress.

But Black Mold is far from the only culprit.

One of the most common indoor molds is Cladosporium. It can cause eye and skin problems, as well as coughing and sinus congestion.

Various species of Alternaria affect crops. Farmers and gardeners can be exposed to it.

For more on molds, and hold to deal with them, see HERE.

7.     Poisons

Some of the previous categories contain items that have poisonous effects. After all, harmful gases are “poisonous.” And, truth be told, people who die in fires are not always “burned to death,” but are rather poisoned through smoke inhalation or by exposure to toxic gases that are released as household objects go up in flames. Exposure to Black Mold is sometimes referred to as “poisoning.” Ditto for heavy-metal toxicity.

So, in a sense, this category isn’t fundamentally different from some of the other hazards previously chronicled. But what is in view, here, are mainly ingestible poisons of one sort of other. To put it another way, I’m concerned in this part with compounds, substances, and so on that – whether mistakenly or on purpose – might be consumed and thereby have negative consequences for one’s health.

I deal with two main classifications of poisons.

Botanical Hazards

This group contains those mushrooms and other plants that have general reputations for being poisonous. I actually cast my net fairly widely, here. So, I have enumerated plants that have all kinds of levels of toxicity.

Some plants have fairly low levels of toxicity to humans and are rarely ingested. These include:

• Dogwood, some species (e.g., Cornus sanguinea)
• the Common Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
• and the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)

Others are sometimes considered to have “acceptably low” toxicity such that they can (if prepared correctly) be used in herbal concoctions. Plants in this subcategory include such as:

• Bitter Almond (Prunus dulcis amara)
• Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
• Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
• Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)
• Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata)
• Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)
• Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
• Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
• Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
• Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis)

There are some well-known and widely consumed plants that either have poisonous parts or can be toxic if incorrectly prepared. Some of these are:

• Ackee (Blighia sapida)
• Apples (Malus domestica) – Seeds
• Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) – Seeds
• Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum) – Again, should be cooked
• Eggplant (Solanum melongena) – Aerial parts (i.e., flowers, leaves, etc.)
• Garden Rhubard (Rheum rhabarbarum)
• Huckleberries (Solanum scabrum)
• Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) – Toxic if uncooked
• Peach (Prunus persica)
• Potato (Solanum tuberosum) – Leaves, sprouts, stems, etc.
• Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) – Leaves, stems

A few plants with toxic components are frequently used (or abused) as hallucinogenics/psychedelics. A few of the better-known varieties, here, include:

• Peyote Cactus (Lophophora williamsii)
• Diviner’s Sage (Salvia divinorum)
• and the Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) –

As usual, people will vary in their sensitivity to many of the listed plants.

However, there are a few plants that are reported to be so highly poisonous that they would almost certainly be fatal to everyone who would ingest them. These include:

• Death Cap Mushroom (Amanita phalloides)
• Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)
• Monkshood (Aconitum napellus)

Still others are potentially deadly but can be used as the basis for medical preparations (some of which are topical and all of which are only to be administered under careful and competent medical supervision). A few notables in this subcategory are:

• Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

For my more elaborate database of plant poisons, see HERE.

Chemical Hazards

Dangerous chemicals are found throughout the average home. In most cases, these are placed in areas not easily accessed by children and are handled only by adults who have the cognitive powers to handle them safely.

However, Alzheimer’s Disease (and other forms of dementia) are characterized by the degradation of intellectual capacities – such as memory, perception, and reasoning – that undermine a person’s ability to recognize – and avoid – household dangers.

In these cases, it falls to caretakers to be aware of the perils and to try to minimize the risks to their charges or loved ones.

Basements

• A/C Refrigerants (chiefly Freon) – Dangers from Ingestion and Inhalation.
• Carbon Monoxide – Danger from Inhalation.
• Radon – Danger from Inhalation.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms may contain numerous potentially poisonous chemicals.

• Cleansers (e.g., all-purpose cleaning chemicals, ammonia, etc.)
• Cosmetics (e.g., eyeliners, lipsticks, makeups, etc.) – Dangers from Absorption and Ingestion
• Disinfectants (e.g., bleach, hydrogen peroxide, etc.) – Dangers from Absorption, Burns, Ingestion, and Inhalation.
• Hygiene Products (e.g., deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste) – Dangers from Absorption and Ingestion.
• Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter)
• Nail-polish Remover (Acetone) – Dangers from Ingestion and Inhalation
• Perfumes – Dangers from Ingestion and Inhalation.
• Tooth-Whitening Products (Carbamide Peroxide, Hydrogen Peroxide) – Dangers from Burns and Ingestion.

Kitchens

• Alcohols
  • Cleaning (Isopropanol, Methanol) Dangers from Ingestion.
  • Drinking (Ethanol) – Dangers from Over-Ingestion
• Cleansers & degreasers (ammonia & glass cleaners, oven & stove cleaners, etc.)
• Disinfectants (e.g., bleach) – Dangers from Ingestion and Inhalation.
• Foods (especially perishable foods) – Dangers from Ingestion.

Garages

• Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) – Dangers from Ingestion.
• Brake Fluid (Diethylene glycol) – Dangers from Ingestion.
• Car Batteries (Sulfuric Acid) – Dangers from Burns and Ingestion.
• Degreasers (Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether) – Dangers from Ingestion and Inhalation.
• Fuels (Butanol, Diesel, Ethanol, Gasoline, Kerosene, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Methanol) – Dangers from Absorption, Ingestion and Inhalation.
• Hydrocarbons (Benzene, Naphthalene, Propane) – Dangers from Ingestion.
• Rodent Poisons (Bromethalin, Strychnine, Warfarin, Zinc Phosphide) – Dangers from Ingestion.
• Rust Removers (Hydrofluoric Acid) – Danger from Burns and Ingestion.
• Solvents (Acetone, Dichloromethane, Isobutynol, Mineral Spirits, Toluene, Turpentine) – Dangers from Absorption, Ingestion and Inhalation.
• Windshield-Washing Fluid (Methanol) – Dangers from Ingestion.

Outdoors

• Chlorine (Cl) – Danger from Burns, Ingestion, and Inhalation.
• Matches (Phosphorous) – Danger from Ingestion.

Throughout the Home

• Asbestos (Chrysotile) – Danger from Inhalation.
• Formaldehyde (CH2O) – Dangers from Ingestion and Inhalation.
• Lead (Pb) – Danger from Ingestion.

For more information on these, and other, home hazards, see HERE.

8.     Tripping Hazards

Elderly people in general, and Alzheimer’s patients in particular, are at risk for falls. One aspect of this is the danger of tumbling out of bed – whether this occurs while the person sleeps or, more likely, as he or she tries to transfer in and out of bed. But, another realm of concern has to do with objects that raise the probability of tripping.

Some obvious things to look for include:

• Furniture (chairs, tables, etc. that are impeding travel)
• Clutter (clothes, knick-knacks, mail and other papers that pile up along walking paths)
• Extension Cords (stretched across paths and thresholds)
• Flooring (coming up, cracked, uneven catching feet and throwing a person off balance)
• Lighting problems (too dim or too bright making it difficult to see the floor)
• Pets (running around in walkways and startling or otherwise tripping people)
• Rugs (not tacked down or sliding and affecting balance)
• Stairs and Steps (too shallow or deep, too slippery, etc.)
• Toilet height, tub height, etc. (not optimal, negatively impacting equilibrium)

For more information on the various trip hazards – and suggestions for minimizing and eliminating them – see HERE.

Notes:

[1] Dale Bredesen, “Inhalational Alzheimer’s Disease: An Unrecognized – and Treatable – Epidemic,” Aging, vol. 8, no. 2, Feb. 10, 2016, pp. 304-313, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4789584/>. Indeed, “Alzheimer’s” might not actually be just one condition. It may be a cluster of brain-degenerating maladies that each have their own specific triggers.

[2] Some even argue that there are health benefits to “colloidal” concoctions of such metals.

The post Toxic Alzheimer’s? Household Hazards: Gases, Molds, Poisons appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

In the wake of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, families can feel like they are adrift at sea in a damaged boat – without help in sight. When my dad, Jim, was diagnosed, one of the first things that become obvious to us was that we needed to make changes to the home environment in order to make his care more manageable and to keep him safer. (Read Jim’s story, HERE.) This is to be expected since most households are organized around the lives of people with normal cognitive functioning. They are not especially well suited to home-health or memory-related care. But by making a few tweaks here and there, caretakers and families can make the home more conducive to dementia care.

These changes can come in several categories. On the one hand, there will be access-control modifications. These will be additions to the home – like gates, latches, locks, and the like – that will help caretakers restrict their charge in terms of where he or she can go throughout the living space. Common restrictions will apply to appliances, attics, cars and other vehicles, bathrooms, entryways and exits, fireplaces, garages, kitchens, and yards. Other modifications will pertain to improving mobility and minimizing falls and tripping. These may include the installation of grab bars, handrails, extra lighting, ramps, walk-in bathtubs, widened doorways, and so on.[1] Still other household changes – setting up “baby monitors,” cameras, intercoms, mirrors, etc. – will be geared toward more effective patient monitoring.

You’ll Need to Survey Your Own Living Space

I didn’t have much guidance when it fell to me to prep the household for my dad’s care. The following resource, then, is basically one of several that I wish I had had available to me after my dad’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It’s really part of my overall “Alzheimer’s-Proofing” project – and part of a series of articles on Alzheimer’s-proofing the home. Interested readers can examine other articles in the series, links to which are provided at right about the end notes.

Not every tip will apply to every reader. Moreover, given the specifics of your situation, you may need to perform modifications that I do not cover on this page. For more suggestions that may spark your own imagination, consult the “Additional Reading” section, below.

But to get you going and to help you start thinking through the modifications that may be necessary in your own home, here is my top ten list for recommended changes. This list is based on my own dealings with my dad, Jim. (If you would like more of the personal details, I invite you to read “Jim’s Story.” For a bit more information about how Jim actually died, there is a follow-up post HERE.)

Just a word about the structure of the list. The first five items are those modifications that can be made well in advance of someone’s actually getting diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related condition. The last five are those that, in many circumstances, should be made as soon as you know that your family is facing the prospect of living with someone with dementia.[2]

Top Ten Modifications to Begin Alzheimer’s-Proofing Your Home

1. Lighting! This item has easy aspects – and “less easy” ones. On the simple side, just ensure that all the home’s light fixtures and switches are in good working order and have appropriately sized (and functional!) light bulbs. You want to simultaneously provide adequate luminance in the home, while minimizing the danger of bulbs overheating and becoming fire hazards. (On other home-related hazards – and how to rectify them – see HERE.)

   On the less easy side, you might need to add light fixtures to dimly lit areas, or even swap out existing (possibly low-luminance or “mood”-type) lights with brighter ones that help to increase visibility. This could be as easy as adding a lamp (out of the way, of course). Or it may need to be as involved as hiring a handyman or electrician to install lights, switches, and wiring.

   A less common, but still possible, problem that you may encounter is lighting that is too bright. In my dad’s case, this one mainly applied to the flood lamp on our garage. The motion-sensing fixture would turn on when we pulled a vehicle or walked into the driveway. On at least one occasion, my dad lost his balance because the bright light disoriented him. For us, the fix was to reposition the lamps so that they were differently aimed. However, in related cases it may be advisable to replace the entire lighting assembly with a different one, or to try to obtain suitable bulbs that have lower wattages.[3]

2. Baby monitor – that’s also an intercom. Remember that there are certain modifications that will be helpful once they become necessary. But there are some items – like monitors – that also tend to be obtrusive if they are installed only after a cognitive impairment surfaces.

   When it became obvious that we needed to monitor my dad (Jim), it took me weeks to find an appropriate hiding spot for the camera/transmitter. I ended up having to camouflage it because he would locate the thing and either move or remove it.[4] And this might also happen to you.

   But it occurred to me that if you introduce the device early enough – say, before the dementia presents itself – your loved one might become acclimated or “used” to its presence. This is especially the case if the item has multiple uses.

   So, you might try getting a baby monitor to use as an intercom system. When and if it becomes necessary to use it as a monitor – the idea is – your loved one will not be perturbed by it.[5] At least, this is what I would try if I had it to do over again.

3. Microwave – with “childproofing” features. I feel like this is another good thing to have in your Alzheimer’s-proofing repertoire. Like other cooking devices (such as conventional ovens, stoves, and so on), microwaves pose various risks – from the risk or burns and fires to the risk of eating underprepared food (because your loved one didn’t observe proper procedures) and more.

   The basic idea is that some microwave ovens have the capability of being “locked” (usually with a 3- or 4-digit code) in such a way that prevents them from being operated without “authorization” or apart from careful supervision. My dad, Jim, had a habit of trying to use kitchen appliances well past the time when he could remember how to safely prepare meals. As it was, we had to remove the microwave from the kitchen. Having a lock-able model would have been far better. I’d tell you: get one – if you don’t have one already.[6]

4. GPS tracker – that doubles as a watch. Eventually, Jim got to be a real handful. Even though his mental faculties were on the decline, he remained physically fit – at least initially. This meant that even when he couldn’t remember simple things (like how to wash his hands correctly, or where to put dirty dishes), he was still able to open doors and jump fences. (Believe it or not!)

   In caretaking circles, Alzheimer’s patients aren’t said to “escape” from their safe areas; this sounds too prison-like. Rather, when they leave their care facilities or homes, Alzheimer’s sufferers are said to elope.

   And believe me, Jim eloped frequently enough to alarm us. He always wore a watch, however. So, another gadget that could really have benefited my family would have been a watch with built-in GPS location-tracking features. It’s not a substitute for careful supervision or thorough safeguarding. But it can be a kind of failsafe.[7]

5. Handrails. This is a simple one. Even before there is any cognitive impairment arises, a case can be made that it is worthwhile to “beef up” the house’s mobility aids.

   Many homes don’t have adequate railings for staircases. So, to my way of thinking, this is a fairly obvious first step (no stairway pun intended).

   This may not be as critical if you (or your loved one) aren’t suffering from any physical disabilities. But even able-bodied people may need slight “assists” from time to time. For example, after my dad’s surgeries (triple bypass and colectomy), he had major difficulties getting around. If the truth be told, I’ve had injuries (sprains, etc.) and illnesses that have hampered my own ability to get up and down.

   The moral? Handrails can benefit everyone in the house (and even visitors). And they may get you thinking about adding additional mobility aids. For more on the possibilities, see HERE.

6. Guardian door lock. Every time I think about home Alzheimer’s Proofing, this little thing pops into my head. It’s an absolute gem. Its primary function is as a door brace to guard against forced entry. But caretakers are impelled to become experts on non-traditional uses for things.

   

   And, in reality, this one doesn’t require much imagination. You install it the same way for theft deterrence or for this secondary purpose: namely, providing an additional layer of protection against “elopement.”

   I positioned one high up on the door going into our garage. Even when my dad unlocked the door, he was less likely to be able to get into the garage – which was, as might be expected, fraught with peril (at least for a cognitively impaired person).

   To my knowledge, my dad never defeated it. For one thing, I think that this was because he had a hard time seeing it. For another, he would have had a difficult time reaching it. And finally, to disengage it requires a particular motion that would have been challenging for him. And it’s around $15. Honestly, I think it’s close to a no-brainer.

7. Electric plug locks. On my list of suggested modifications, this is only second to the Guardian – and this is probably because I love my Guardians so much. In terms of versatility, these small locks can be lifesavers.

   Have a coffeepot or toaster that you want to leave out, but don’t want your loved one operating? No problem. Plug the power cord into a plug lock and mom or grandad won’t be able to plug in the toaster. The lock accommodates two- or three-prong electrical plugs and can be unlocked with a key.

   A bit inconvenient for the caretaker who might want coffee or toast? Sure. But what you lose in convenience you gain in peace of mind that your loved one won’t hurt him- or herself – or burn the house down.

   And the locks work equally well on other appliances. Among other things, and besides the aforementioned coffee pot and toasted, I locked our blender, can opener, electric drill, and table saw. Your investment will be under $20 per lock.

8. Cabinet and drawer locks. These are going to be practically essential. It almost a sure bet that your cabinets and drawers contain at least some objects that would be dangerous in the hands of a cognitively impaired individual. This really leaves you with only two alternatives: get rid of the offending materials or lock them up.

   I can’t tell you which option is best for your situation. But I can say that in our case removal wasn’t always feasible. For instance, insofar as people will be living and doing meal preparation inside the home, there will be various items (like knives and kitchen appliances) that are necessary to have on hand.

   Even if you could swap glassware for plasticware, and remove things like firearms, you may not be able to rid the household of everything that poses a danger. And, frankly, it’s probably not worth thinking too hard about when cabinet and drawer locks are readily available.

   You can often find these in the “childproofing” sections of many stores – or online. (For more on the similarities between baby/childproofing and Alzheimer’s-proofing, see HERE.)

9. Alcohol, guns, and other ‘specialty’ hazards. Since many people keep alcohol and guns in cabinets (though, hopefully, not the same cabinet!), in a way, this is just an extension of the previous recommendation. Nevertheless, I feel like I should call out these items for special attention, since the risks they pose are especially great.

   Because these concerns are significant, I may as well mention here one of the strategies that I use. I am a big believer in redundancy, that is, the use of several “layers” of security that are put in place so that if a primary layer fails, secondary (tertiary, etc.) layers can serve as a kind of backstop.

   So, in the case of a firearm, an extreme example of redundancy might be the placement of locked gun, inside of a biometric safe, inside of a locked cabinet that is itself located inside of a locked room. Is all this redundancy strictly necessary? I can’t answer that. But the various layers of security allow that even if the impaired person enters the room or gains access to the cabinet, he or she will be unlikely to defeat all layers and actually get to the firearm.

10. Thermostat cover. Once again, I am just drawing on the experience that I had with my dad. But one of the things that happened in his case was that he constantly fiddled with the temperature controls. And since, by that time, he had questionable perceptual and reasoning abilities, he would simply crank the thing up or down more or less willy-nilly.

    Sometimes this would lead to conditions where, for example, the house temperature would end up around 90 degrees. Not only is this an annoyance, but it can also pose hazardous to a person’s health in terms of things like overheating or hyperthermia.[8]

    For us, believe it or not, we actually had the functional thermostat moved to the lower level and we left the main-level thermostat in place, but inoperable. Because it’s so convoluted of a solution, I wouldn’t recommend this, particularly.

    Instead, I would tell you to try getting a locking thermostat cover – the kind that you see in public areas like libraries, offices, etc. If this causes your loved one to become agitated, you can explore additional options like camouflaging it. But at least the temperatures will remain at reasonable and safe levels.

Concluding Remarks

Bear in mind that these recommendations only scratch the surface of what you could do and, unfortunately, of what you might be forced to do to properly care for your loved one.

For a more complete list of suggestions, see my free web resource titled “Ultimate Guide to Alzheimer’s-Proofing A Home: Master List.” You can think of it as a list of possible action items. Peruse it to get some ideas as to how you might effectively alter your own living environment to better care for your afflicted family member.

Looking for Product Recommendations?

Unsure what to buy? I recommend select products HERE.

Additional Reading

Background Information on Alzheimer’s Itself:

• “What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? A Brief Overview”
• “How Many Stages Does Alzheimer’s Disease Have?”

General Alzheimer’s-Proofing Information:

• “What Do We Mean by ‘Alzheimer’s-Proofing’?”
• “Alzheimer’s Proofing Vs. Baby Proofing”

Five-Part Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s Proofing Your House:

• “Part One: The Master List.”
• “Part Two: General and Senior-Safety Tips.”
• “Part Three: Specific Alzheimer’s Tips.”
• “Part Four: Kitchens & Bathrooms.”
• “Part Five: Indoors and Outdoors.”
• “Recommended Products”

Alzheimer’s-Proofing a Vehicle:

• “How Do You Alzheimer’s Proof a Car?”
• “Car-Disabling Devices”

Notes:

[1] Another aspect of this will simply be decluttering and decontaminating the living space, where applicable. I cover these is other articles.

[2] There are the usual provisos. For one thing, every situation is different. Since Alzheimer’s is a brain-degenerating condition, it may – and is liable to – affect people in various ways. Additionally, because cognitive impairments often impact seniors, there may be physical impairments to contend with as well. These might be byproducts of the dementia, or they might be unrelated (i.e., “comorbid”). Thus, care for some patients may require a heavier emphasis on mobility-aid improvements. While care for other Alzheimer’s sufferers might demand a focus upon access-control and restriction. Let your loved one’s specific case and needs dictate your direction.

[3] Generally, you can put lower wattage bulbs into a light fixture without danger. Of course, you need to make sure that the bulbs are designed for use in fixtures similar to yours. Also, be aware that lower-wattage bulbs will be dimmer. You just never want to exceed the recommended wattage, or you could have a fire hazard on your hands.

[4] He sometimes also obstructed it. Sometimes this may have been intentional; other times, it probably wasn’t.

[5] Of course, I have to include a major caveat. Alzheimer’s ravages memories. So, it is possible that your loved one won’t remember being “used to” the monitor when he or she is suffering from dementia. It’s also possible that your loved one will “remember” the object and fiddle with it in ways that obstruct its use as a monitor. But I still think that this item is valuable enough to be worth that risk. Having a monitor on my dad freed me up to be able to do other tasks around the house – or even do business-related work in the home – without worry that Jim was “getting into” or doing something that he shouldn’t.

[6] Before spending money, you might want to determine whether your current model is lockable in the relevant way. Try to locate the printed copy of your microwave’s owner’s manual – or find it online.

[7] IF, that is, your loved one would wear it. Although my dad wore a watch, it was a wristwatch with a traditional clockface and moving hands. It wasn’t digital. So, it’s not a sure bet that he would have accepted a GPS-tracking watch as a substitute for what he was used to wearing. However, after he disappeared several times, I would have been inclined to give it a try.

[8] Of course, it’s also possible that the house temperature could drop dangerously low and present equal but opposite risks. However, personally, I never ran into this with my dad.

The post Best Home Modifications For Handling Alzheimer’s Dementia appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

Introduction

A recent Washington Post article startlingly declared: “Today, the crisis in health care is how to care for the estimated 5.7 million Americans with Alzheimer’s. …The crisis for tomorrow is how to take care of the projected 14 million Americans older than 65 who will develop the disease by 2050.”[1] The article goes on to lament how underprepared (or outright unprepared) are institutions – like our healthcare system – for this looming disaster. If you or your loved one finds themselves afflicted, then, as so often happens, you may be faced with the prospect of dealing with the catastrophe alone.

There are some things that you can do to safeguard your health, improve your chances of avoiding the dread disease, and – failing that – at least make some provision for your future care. This will involve such things as making changes to your diet and home environment, trying to “detoxify” your life (both literally and metaphorically), and attending to your finances. But the hard reality is that you have to start planning (and implementing that plan) now for it to benefit you when and if the time comes. 

Let’s get going.

Protect Your Physical Health

Insofar as Alzheimer’s is a brain-degenerating disease, it is reasonable to think that overall bodily health can affect a person’s susceptibility to some degree.

I’m not saying that poor general health will necessarily issue in a cognitive disorder. Nor am I promising that good general health is a surefire protection. But it stands to reason that your odds of slowing down mental deterioration – or avoiding it altogether – are going to be better the healthier you are.

So, you really ought to make some provisions to protect your physical wellbeing. Here are a few tips to help ensure that you’re on the right path.

Diet

I’m not a medical professional, but it is reasonable to think that the cornerstone of health is diet. Years ago, I was both enlightened and gratified by a sports-nutrition company’s forthright admission that basic diet superseded both exercise and their own “supplements” in importance.

Take a moment and think about the implications of this.

One glaring ramification is that you can’t “fix” an unhealthy lifestyle by swallowing some supplement. There are no magic pills.

If your body has sustained physical damage over years of abuse of neglect, then the only way to roll back that damage is to change your habits. And that will take time.

But, fear not, that is why I’m discussing it.

MIND Your Food

There is a diet that purports both to lower a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s as well slowing the mental degeneration of people (such as stroke victims) who are statistically likely to manifest dementia. It’s a takeoff from the National Heart Institute’s “DASH” program – where the former word stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The newest diet is memorably designated “MIND,” which means Mediterranean and DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay.

This Alzheimer’s-focused regimen has two prongs. On the one hand, MIND nutritionists recommend that interested dieters add certain things into their diets.

This includes probably predictable things like the following.

Green vegetables (especially cruciferous ones) seem to show up on many health lists these days. And this list is no different. Green veggies – especially the leafy varieties – are nutrient rich, and often include such beneficial minerals and vitamins as beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B, C, and K as well as trace elements like copper and manganese. They also tend to contain plenty of antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients.

The MIND Diet also prescribes generous helpings of quality beans, berries, nuts, and wholegrains.

For a more comprehensive breakdown of what is – and isn’t – included in the MIND diet, see HERE. Suffice it to say that the recommendations are geared toward guiding against brain and nervous-system degeneration as well as cognitive decline.

One extra benefit of all this healthy eating is that these same food items are capable of conferring ancillary protections against cardiovascular and heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Another noteworthy addition, borrowed from the DASH heart-diet recommendations, is a single glass of red wine each day. Red wine, and its active ingredient resveratrol, is supposed to bestow numerous advantages, including a more favorable balance of “bad” and “good” cholesterol in your body. So, salut! (Just don’t drink too much. For more on alcohol and Alzheimer’s, read my article “Is There a Link Between Drinking and Dementia?”)

The MIND diet also calls for the use of olive oil as a substitute for cooking sprays and margarine.

But arguably one of its main thrusts lies in its recommendations concerning meat. There is an overall emphasis on eating less meat, period. The suggestions that I read indicate seven (7) to fourteen (14) portions per week at most. But, there is a decidedly slant towards white meats (mainly chicken, fish, and turkey; but possibly also pork and a few others) over red meats (such as beef and ham).

And this leads to the second, more negative, prong – the subtractions. Dieticians suggest that you cut out red meats almost entirely – regardless of their quality. Dieters are also encouraged to steer clear of all “junk” and processed foods and sugar-based snacks.

Do Eat More of These:

• Beans
• Berries
• Nuts
• Olive Oil
• Vegetables (especially green, leafy ones)
• Wholegrains
• Wine (especially quality reds)

Don’t Eat as Much of These:

• Junk Food
• Processed Food
• Sugar

Again, for a much more detailed list of “dos” and “don’ts,” including specific foods, see my companion article “The Alzheimer’s Dementia ‘MIND’ Diet: What Should You Eat?”

Supplement if Necessary (or Desired)

There is little question but that eating quality foods has got to be the base of your Alzheimer’s-prevention diet. But a case can also be made for boosting the “bioavailability” of certain nutrients and other substances through selective supplementation.

There are many reasons why such supplementation may be necessary. A lot of our food – even when it is organic – is grown in nutrient-depleted soil. This may mean that even a diet that looks great on paper may not actually deliver on all its nutritional promises.

Additionally, we are all subjected – sometimes daily – to various environmental (and other) toxins that tax our bodies’ defense systems and sap our vitality. (For more information, see my article HERE.) The diminution of our nutrients is both a byproduct and a contributing cause of these difficulties. (See HERE.)

What to do?

In order to keep your body within optimal ranges, nutritionally speaking, you may find it advantageous to give your diet a little assist through supplementation.

Moreover, as it turns out, good cases can be made that the availability of certain substances in the body may improve your odds of avoiding Alzheimer’s – or at least slowing down its progression.

Supplements can be grouped under various subheadings. But “herbs” and “vitamins” are two commonly used – even if general – groupings.

Under the category of herbal supplements, you might find recommendations like the following:

• Ginkgo
• Magnolia
• Rosemary
• Saffron
• Turmeric

While, vitamins (and other helpful minerals and nutrients) tend to include things such as:

• Carnitine
• Folic Acid
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D3
• Zinc

Elsewhere, I have put together much more detailed expositions of these two subcategories of supplements. If you would like further information, see my articles: HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Drink Clean Water

Water is another fundamental building block of a good diet. Even though water may not spring to mind (no pun intended) immediately when hearing the word “diet,” my contention would be that H₂O is in many ways arguably even more important than some of the other things previously surveyed.

To begin with, a high percentage of our bodies is made up of the stuff. It appears to be essential for human life at every biological level – from our cells and tissues to our organs and organ systems. And it’s equally vital physiologically.

Beyond the vague “hydration,” water plays an important role in many body processes – including cushioning organs, digesting minerals and nutrients, dissolving foreign deposits, excreting waste, lubricating body parts (like eyes, mouths, and other places), maintaining homeostasis (which involves maintaining temperature), and on and on.

You literally can’t live without it. According to one website: “A human can go without food for about three weeks but would typically only last three to four days without water.”[2]

So, it’s clear that we need constant access to fresh water.

And the stuff that we do drink needs continual replenishment because we lose it via digestion, excretion, perspiration, respiration, urination, etc.

But the sad fact is that many people rely on municipal water supplies that have lackluster results when it comes to purification. Practically speaking, this means that a lot of us drink water that is laced with crud.

The nasty stuff in water includes, but is not limited to:

• Heavy Metals
• Herbicides
• Industrial Byproducts and Waste
• Parasites
• Pathogens (including Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses)
• Pesticides
• Pharmaceuticals
• Pollutants
• Radioactive Compounds
• Toxins

This is a shocking list of contaminants for something that is as crucial to life as is water. (If you can stomach it, I have gone into much greater detail on these contaminants, HERE.)

While there may not be any knock-down “proof” that infected or tainted water directly causes Alzheimer’s or other dementias, it is reasonable to believe that imbibing eight (8) or so eight-ounce glasses of filth every day – for years; for decades – is at best placing additional stress upon our immune (and other bodily) systems.

On the other hand, as I mention HERE, some observers actually believe that there are subtypes of Alzheimer’s – one of which, so investigators suggest, may be caused by exposure to toxins or to other nasty stuff. So, at worst, some of the contamination might actually be harming us directly.

But the situation isn’t hopeless. In fact, the fix is straightforward: drink properly purified water! If none is close at hand, then purify your drinking water yourself. There are several methods for this. I’ll list three (3) of the main water-purification options.

1. Boiling – It’s free; theoretically, it’s also straightforward. But it does take time to do. And drinking water must be given additional time to cool. Plus, it may not be “easy” to do when you are trying to monitor a person with dementia.
2. Chemical Disinfection – There are two main varieties of this. Disinfection with chlorine, which is used by many municipal water facilities, and disinfection with iodine, which is used by many campers and outdoorspeople.
3. Filtration – This is going to be the primary method for at-home water purification. There are several types of water filter. Some screw onto the faucet; others go under the sink. Still other filters operate by gravity in stand-alone canisters. Activated charcoal has a great ability to absorb contaminants and is often used as the main filter medium.

Arguably, each of these methods has its place. I go into the three methods at greater length – and offer my own product recommendations – HERE. And, again, my main water-related article can be read HERE.

Presently, my bottom line is merely informational. You should start thinking about these issues and selecting (and implementing) solutions (okay… maybe this pun was intended) for yourself.

Protect Your Home

As I have discussed more extensively HERE, it is probably a good idea to begin making changes to the home environment prior to the onset of any sort of dementia. There are several reasons for this. I will list a couple.

The first reason is that if you make changes early, you yourself will have plenty of time to get used to them before that unhappy time at which you manifest some sort of cognitive impairment. This is important because cognitive impairments – such as Alzheimer’s – often destroy recent and short-term memories. The longer you have had your home’s Alzheimer’s-proofing in place, the more likely those changes are to have found a place in your long-term memory.

The second reason is that changes made in anticipation of a problem will be ready to deal with the problem if it ever materializes. It’s kind of like the old adage that those who prepare for war when there is peace are able to jump into battle without delay when the time comes.

Prepare Your Home Environment for the Worst-Case Scenario

Along these lines, it might be sensible to change your living environment in ways that would make living with Alzheimer’s more manageable.

Whether this actually makes sense for you or not will depend on the resources available and on your specific situation. I recommend having a sort of “advisory committee” to assist you with these kinds of decisions. (This recommendation will be fleshed out in a forthcoming article.)

Basically, I think of things in two related, but slightly different, ways.

In the first place, there will be changes that you will want to make (in some cases) that may be useful when dealing with dementia, but that do not make a lot of sense to make too far in advance.

A prime example of this would be an entrance ramp. You’ll want to have an access ramp in the event that you (or a loved one) is wheelchair bound. But, apart from that, having a ramp on your front door would be a blasted nuisance.

Other examples might be door-knob covers, drawer locks, gates, and other odds and ends that serve to frustrate an impaired person’s attempts to access areas or items that might be unsafe. While everyone in the household is able bodied, these devices will probably only be frustrating.

In the second place, however, will be those changes that can be put in place far in advance, without any negative interruption into your daily life.

Perhaps the foremost illustration of this would be ensuring that your living space has adequate lighting. Making certain that you have a well-lit dwelling will not generally disrupt the lives of anyone in the household. In fact, it will probably make everyone generally safer, since even people with normal mental function can sometimes trip and hurt themselves in dimly lit spaces. Because lighting can also serve as a theft deterrent, investing in it early on is highly advisable.

This category might also include more impairment-specific modifications like having a walk-in bathtub. Although a totally able-bodied person could utilize a walk-in bathtub without any difficulties, such a thing is plainly intended for someone who is physically disabled. The main issue, here, would be the expense. If you’re building a new house and can select any sort of bathtub you wish, then you might consider making it a walk-in. But if you already occupy a finished house, and neither you nor any loved one is physically impaired, then you may much prefer to simply skip the (presently needless) expense of switching the tub out.

Items in this subcategory will also include some simpler gadgetry – like gun locks – that are good ideas to have anyway, regardless of whether there is a cognitively impaired person on the premises or not.

Common Modifications:

• Control Access to Attics, Basements, Garages and Kitchens
• Improve Lighting
• Install Mobility Aids (e.g., Handrails and Grab Bars)
• Lock Cabinets and Drawers
• Secure Firearms, Pharmaceuticals, Thermostats, etc.

For a more complete list of possible home modifications, see my “Ultimate Guide to Alzheimer’s-Proofing A Home: Master List.” Every situation is subtly different. My resource is basically designed to get you brainstorming about changes that may have to be made in your own home.

Are you wondering when to begin making changes? I talk a bit more about that HERE.

Unsure what to buy? I recommend select products HERE.

Protect Your Finances

Among the predictable outcomes of Alzheimer’s Disease is the damage that it – or, more accurately, its (expensive![3]) required care – does to personal finances. With a condition like Alzheimer’s (or another sort of dementia), when a person advances far enough he or she will need around-the-clock care. This kind of care is called “custodial” or “long-term” care. And the kicker? It’s not covered by health insurance or by Medicare.

Be aware that if you or your spouse (or loved one) requires long-term care, the cost can be astronomical (by many people’s standards, anyway). In today’s dollars, nursing homes can cost upwards of $75,000 to $100,000 per year. Depending on the amenities and services provided, many can cost even more. The average nursing-home stay is between two (2) and three (3) years.[4]

Together, these basic facts allow us to predict that anyone who has to enter into a nursing home will be looking at someone in the neighborhood of $150,000-$300,000 just for their custodial care. For a married couple, these baseline figures would have to be multiplied by a factor of two (2), yielding $300,000 to $600,000. And these estimates are somewhat conservative.

Seniors may need other healthcare or services that are not included in the cost of a nursing home.

It’s expensive to grow old. And it’s expensive to receive care for a cognitive (or other) impairment.

This kind of care is usually referred to custodial or long-term care. And, as I have discussed at greater length elsewhere (see HERE), there are really only three (3) main options for paying for it.

1. Private Pay. This simply means that you pay for your (or your loved one’s) care from money that comes out of your own assets or income stream.There are many different income streams that are theoretically possible. If someone is still working, whether full or part time, then he or she will have earned income. Retired persons may have pensions or Social Security benefits. People can have money coming in from alimony or spousal “maintenance.”Other sources sometimes of income may also come into the picture. These can be extremely varied and probably resist exhaustive summary. But common ones include the following: dividends from insurance policies or stocks,[5] income from rental properties, interest from interest-bearing accounts, payments from (private) annuities,[6] renewals from commission sales, residuals or royalties from copyrighted works, and settlements of life-insurance proceeds or trust funds.Assets can be equally varied. But most people will have assets spread across a range of common categories, including banking instruments like certificates of deposit (CDs), checking and savings accounts, money markets, and so on; cash on hand; collectibles (e.g., antiques, precious metals, etc.); houses, land, vehicles, and other owned physical properties (in the form of equity); intellectual properties (copyrights, patents, trademarks); investments (whether bonds, stocks, or something else); life-insurance policies (in the form of cash value); pre-paid funeral expenses or other services; and retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, etc.
2. Medicaid. If you have insufficient assets or income to afford your required care, then one option is to apply for government assistance. In this case, the relevant program is part of Medicaid. However, qualifying for Medicaid first requires that your own assets be more or less fully exhausted. There is a systematic “spend down” that is strictly enforced, leaving the would-be recipient with virtually nothing.Although I cannot advise you of the precise action steps that you’d need to take for yourself or your loved one, I can relate (my memory of) my parents’ experience. When my dad’s retirement account had been exhausted – and his brokerage account value plummeted – Medicaid became the only game in town for them.My dad had to cash out his life-insurance policies, liquidate the remaining money held by his financial adviser, sell his car, and so on. My mom, a longtime schoolteacher, had to spend her own 403(b) down (to around $30,000, if I recall correctly). But she was allowed to keep her residence and her own vehicle.Besides having to be more or less impoverished in order to qualify for it, one downside of Medicaid is that it limits families in terms of where their loved one can receive care. You may not be able to get your loved one into your first-choice nursing home. You will have to find one that has an available “Medicaid bed.” It may not be the closest or best facility for your family’s overall needs. And if a husband and wife both eventually require long-term care, then they may be separated from each other if they are solely dependent on Medicaid.
3. Long-Term-Care Insurance. Alternatively, you can arrange to protect your assets and income with an insurance contract. Long-term-care policies pay out when a person is certified by a medical professional to lack two out of six Activities of Daily Living[7] (ADLs) or to have severe cognitive impairments. However, like the Medicaid Trust (see further down), this option requires a fair bit of foresight. After all, you cannot hope to pass the requisite underwriting process if you’re already demonstrably debilitated.
4. Medicaid Trust. Sometimes, people speak of a fourth option. But this is, in a sense, a variation on the private-pay and Medicaid options. Called a “Medicaid Trust” – when set up correctly by a competent attorney – this instrument allows a person (or couple) to divest themselves of ownership of many of their assets. The idea is that if a person has distanced him- or herself from various assets, then those assets will not be counted when the person is seeking qualification for Medicaid.As with other trusts, the trustees are constrained to use the granted assets for the care of the relevant beneficiary. However, you’ll need a lawyer to draft and file the necessary documents.This option may be a good fit for some families. But the relevant assets must be retitled at least five (5) years prior to going into a long-term-care facility or filing for long-term-care assistance. Additionally, the assets must be granted irrevocably. Finally, if the result is to qualify a person for Medicaid, then all the negatives of Medicaid apply to this option as well.

These are complex topics. In order to become prepared for the future, and to be in a position to make an educated decision when and if the time comes, you should consider speaking with financial, insurance, and legal professionals in your area.

The moral of this brief story is that you need to begin your financial planning before disaster strikes. So, start thinking through the issues today.

Notes:

[1] Ann Norwich, “We’re Not Prepared for the Coming Dementia Crisis,” Washington Post, Oct. 26, 2018, <https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/were-not-prepared-for-the-coming-dementia-crisis/2018/10/26/b4484cfc-d914-11e8-9559-712cbf726d1c_story.html>.

[2] Dina Spector, “Here’s How Many Days a Person Can Survive Without Water,” Business Insider, Mar. 8, 2018, <https://www.businessinsider.com/how-many-days-can-you-survive-without-water-2014-5>.

[3] I sketch some of these expenses HERE.

[4] The current number seems to bounce around somewhere in the vicinity of 2.3-2.4 years.

[5] Or income from other equities, securities, and other variable instruments.

[6] On at least a few common definitions, pensions and Social Security would both count as annuities. But here the contrast would be between annuities that an individual buys for him- or herself through a finance or insurance company, as opposed to employer-sponsored or government-subsidized benefit plans.

[7] These including being able to bathe, dress, and feed yourself as well as being able to “transfer” in and out of bed and toilet by yourself and to have control over your bodily functions (continence).

The post Protect Yourself Against the Coming Dementia Crisis appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

Positively, the approach recommends liberal portions of beans, berries, green (and other) vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. It also suggests that you stick to white (or at least lighter) meats over red ones. Further, MIND Dieticians encourage the use of olive oil for cooking and the drinking of quality red wines – in moderation – on a daily basis. Negatively, you are told to avoid processed foods and meats, sugary snacks, and other empty calories from carbohydrates to bad fats.

For the details, dig in. (Okay…pun intended.)

DO Eat These

Green Veggies – Especially ‘Cruciferous’ and Leafy Ones

I know that you’ve probably heard this since you were knee high to a grasshopper, but it’s true. You’ll want to load up on healthy vegetables. These include:

• Arugula (Eruca vesicaria sativa)
• Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
• Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)
• Bok Choy (Brassica rapa chinensis)
• Broccoli (Brassica oleracea italica)
• Brussels Sprouts (Brassica oleracea gemmifera)
• Cabbage (Brassica oleracea capitata)
• Chard (Beta vulgaris vulgaris)
• Collard Greens (Brassica oleracea)
• Endive (Cichorium endivia)
• Iceberg Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
• Kale (Brassica oleracea sabellica)
• Peas[1] (Pisum sativum)
• Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
• Romaine Lettuce (Lactuca sativa longifolia)
• Turnip Greens (Brassica rapa rapa)
• Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

They may also include unspecified helpings of “greens” – which, as far as I can tell, is just a synonym for “vegetables – and so-called “microgreens.” Microgreens are “shoots” from edible plants; that is, little stem-like growths that appear before fully formed leaves develop. If I have it right, the rationale for eating the shoots is that they are packed with the nutrients – some of which the plant itself will use to produce the leaves and other aerial parts (e.g., flowers, fruits, etc.).[2]

‘Other’ Vegetables

And, although they’re not green, I feel like I would be remiss if I didn’t give at least a passing nod to other, healthy vegetables. The MIND Diet makes provisions for generous portions of these as well. So, help yourself to the following.

• Carrots (Daucus carota sativus)
• Corn[3] (Zea mays)
• Onions (Allium cepa)
• Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Radicchio (Cichorium intybus foliosum)
• Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas)
• Tomato, Cherry (Solanum lycopersicum cerasiforme)

Healthy Nuts

Then, there are the healthy nuts. (Not “health nuts,” mind you.) Many of these are recommended for maintaining optimal neurological function. You should get a bit comfortable with reaching for them – instead of for the potato chips.

• Almonds (Prunus dulcis)
• Beech nuts (Fagus sylvatica)
• Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa)
• Cashews[4] (Anacardium occidentale)
• Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana)
• Macadamias (Macadamia integrifolia)
• Peanuts[5] (Arachis hypogaea)
• Pecans (Carya illinoinensis)
• Pistachios (Pistacia vera)
• Walnuts (Juglans major)

Berries (and Other Fruits)

According to MIND-Diet proponents, berries are excellent foods to help guard against dementia.[6]

• Açai Berries (Euterpe oleracea)
• Avocados (Persea americana)
• Barberries, European (Berberis vulgaris)
• Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus)
• Black Raspberries (Rubus occidentalis)
• Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus)
• Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum)
• Chokeberries (Aronia prunifolia)
• Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
• Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum)
• Grapes[7] (Vitis vinifera)
• Raspberries (Rubus idæus)
• Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa)
• Wineberries, Chilean (Aristotelia chilensis)

Another name floating around is that of the “Barbados Cherry” (Malpighia emarginata). Some lists present it as a berry, although its Wikipedia entry does not. I don’t find much by way of negative reviews, so I’ll be checking it out myself.

By the way, a few brain-health pundits mention Oranges (Citrus X sinensis) as well. But, don’t just drink the juice — especially not with oodles of sugar or other additives. Eat the fruit!

Finally, Pomegranates (Punica granatum) appear to have a reputation for being beneficial for cognitive function as well as for various women’s-health issues. So, dig in, if you’re so inclined.

Beans

Beans are great, non-meat sources of protein. And, as you have no doubt guessed, they’re a fixture of the MIND regimen.

• Black-Turtle Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris “Black Turtle”)
• Black-Eyed Peas (Vigna unguiculata unguiculata)
• Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum)
• Garbanzo Beans (Cicer arietinum)
• Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris Kidney)
• Lentils (Lens culinaris)
• Lima Beans (Phaseolus lunatus)
• Navy Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris White Bean)
• Pinto Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris Pinto)
• Soybeans (Glycine max)

Wholegrains

• Barley (Hordeum vulgare)
• Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
• Durum [as Bulgur Cereal, Couscous, or Freekeh] (Triticum durum)
• Millet, Pearl (Pennisetum glaucum)
• Oatmeal, Whole Oats (Avena fatua)
• Popcorn[8] [Air-Popped & “Plain”] (Zea mays everta)
• Quinoa[9] (Chenopodium quinoa)
• Rice, Brown (Oryza sativa)
• Rye (Secale cereale)
• Sorghum[10] (Sorghum bicolor)
• Whole Wheats, 100% (Triticum æstivum)

Seeds

While I didn’t spot them on the MIND Diet’s main list, you might want to throw in a handful or two of quality seeds.

• Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica)
• Flax Seeds (Linum usitatissimum)
• Pumpkin Seeds, Styrian (Cucurbita pepo Styriaca)
• Sunflower Seeds (Helianthus annuus)

White Meats

Primarily, when you hear talk of “white meat,” it’s referring to fish and poultry. Some definitions also include meat from pigs and rabbits. Additionally, a few lists include veal here as well.

Fish

There are several debates raging over fish. One such debate concerns whether preference should be given to farmed fish or their wild-caught cousins. I’m not going to get into any of this. A good rule of thumb is probably that the more “natural” foods are going to tend to be healthier. But, I’m not a nutritionist by any stretch of the imagination. So, take my fish recommendations cum grano salis (But don’t use too much salt or you could raise your blood pressure — and, by extension, your risk of heart attack or stroke.)

• Bass
  • Largemouth (Micropterus salmoides)
  • Striped (Morone saxatilis)
• Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)
• Carp
  • European (Cyprinus carpio)
  • Asian (Cyprinus rubrofuscus)
• Catfish
  • Blue (Ictalurus furcatus)
  • Channel (Ictalurus punctatus)
  • Flathead (Pylodictis olivaris)
• Cod
  • Atlantic (Gadus morhua)
  • Pacific (Gadus macrocephalus)
• Herring (Clupea harengus)
• Mackerel, Atlantic (Scomber scombrus)
• Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus)
• Perch (Perca flavescens)
• Pollock
  • Atlantic (Pollachius pollachius)
  • Boston Blue (Pollachius virens)
• Salmon
  • Alaskan (Oncorhynchus nerka)
  • Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
• Sardines, Pacific (Sardinops sagax)
• Tilapia
  • Nile (Oreochromis niloticus)
  • Blue (Oreochromis aureus)
  • Mozambique (Oreochromis mossambicus)
• Trout
  • Brook (Salvelinus fontinalis)
  • Brown (Salmo trutta)
  • Rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Sometimes, tuna is listed as a healthy fish. However, this needs to be stated with some major qualifications. Chiefly, these qualifications surround the presence of mercury – usually methylmercury – in tuna fish (and shellfish).[11]

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has articulated “acceptable” mercury levels in terms of micrograms (mcg) per pound (or kilogram) of body weight. Specifically, their numbers suggest that 0.045 mcg/lb. (0.1 mcg/kg) are tolerable. Thus, between 50 and 300 pounds, we’re talking about acceptable mercury levels ranging from about 2.25 to around 13.5 mcg.

Canned tuna fish might contain anywhere from 3 to 20 mcg of mercury per ounce. Therefore, on this basic alone, some nutritionists (and others) recommend skipping tuna.

Still, it is an indisputably good source of “good” fats (e.g., Omega-3s) and protein. However, because mercury is possibly correlated with brain and neuronal degeneration,[12] it might be better to stick with “cleaner” fish or other white meats (like poultry).

Nevertheless, for the curious, here are the main varieties of tuna floating (or swimming) around.

• Tuna
  • Albacore (Thunnus alalunga)
  • Atlantic Bluefin (Thunnus thynnus)
  • Bigeye (Thunnus obesus)
  • Southern Bluefin (Thunnus maccoyii)
  • Yellowfin [a.k.a. Ahi] (Thunnus albacares)
  • Skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis)

Common Poultry[13]

• Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
  • Bresse Gauloise
  • Cornish
  • Jersey Giant
  • Orpington
• Ducks[14]
  • American Black (Anas rubripes)
  • American Wigeon (Anas americana)
  • Bluebill (Aythya affinis)
  • Blue-Winged Teal (Anas discors)
  • Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
  • Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)
  • Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
  • Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)
  • Gadwall (Anas strepera)
  • Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
  • Green-Winged Teal (Anas carolinensis)
  • Long-Tailed (Clangula hyemalis)
  • Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
  • Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
  • Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
  • Pacific Black (Anas superciliosa)
  • Redhead (Aythya americana)
  • Wood (Aix sponsa)
• Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)[15]
  • Beltsville Small White*
  • Black*
  • Blue Slate*
  • Bourbon Reds*
  • Broad Breasted Whites[16]
  • Midget White*
  • Narragansett*
  • Royal Palm*
  • Standard Bronze*
  • White Holland*

Less Common Fowls

• Coots
  • American (Fulica americana)
  • Andean (Fulica ardesiaca)
  • Eurasian (Fulica atra)
  • Giant (Fulica gigantea)
  • Hawaiian (Fulica alai)
  • Horned (Fulica cornuta)
  • Red-Fronted (Fulica rufifrons)
  • Red-Gartered (Fulica armillata)
  • Red-Knobbed (Fulica cristata)
  • White-Winged (Fulica leucoptera)
• Geese
  • African (Anser anser domesticus)
  • American Buff (Anser anser domesticus)
  • Canada (Branta canadensis)
  • Chinese (Anser cygnoides)
  • Embden (Anser anser)
  • Pilgrim (Anser anser)
  • Pomeranian (Anser anser)
  • Saddleback (Anser anser)
  • Sebastopol (Anser anser)
  • Toulouse (Anser anser domesticus)
  • Roman (Anser cygnoides domesticus)
• Pheasants[17] (Phasianus colchicus)
  • Cheer (Catreus wallichii)
  • Copper (Syrmaticus soemmerringii)
  • Golden (Chrysolophus pictus)
  • Great Argus (Argusianus argus)
  • Green (Phasianus versicolor)
  • Grey-Peacock (Polyplectron bicalcaratum)
  • Hume’s (Syrmaticus humiae)
  • Kalij (Lophura leucomelanos)
  • Lady Amherst (Chrysolophus amherstiae)
  • Reeve’s [Bar-Tailed] (Syrmaticus reevesii)
  • Ring-Necked (Phasianus colchicus)
  • Siamese Fireback (Lophura diardi)
  • Swinehoe’s (Lophura swinhoii)
  • Silver (Lophura nycthemera)
• Quails (Coturnix coturnix)
  • Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)
  • California (Callipepla californica)
  • Coturnix (Coturnix japonica)
  • Montezuma (Cyrtonyx montezumae)
  • Mountain (Oreortyx pictus)
  • Scaled (Callipepla squamata)

Other

I include this category for the sake of completeness. But I forewarn you: Some of these classifications are hotly debated. And I am incompetent to sift through all the information.

Some articles that I consulted consider the flesh of young animals (e.g., calves, lambs, and so on) to count as “white meat.” Others – like the World Health Organization[18] – staunchly oppose this and insist that they should be counted as red.

Additionally, you should bear in mind that the DASH and MIND dieticians generally recommend limiting meat servings to around one (1) or two (2) per day – even if you are eating lighter meats.

• Calf[19] (Bos taurus) – for veal[20]
  • Ayrshire*
  • Belted Galloway
  • Black Angus
  • Brahman
  • Brown Swiss*
  • Charolais
  • Dexter
  • Gelbvieh
  • Guernsey*
  • Hereford
  • Holstein*
  • Jersey*
  • Randall Lineback
  • Red Angus
  • Scottish Highland
  • Shorthorn*
  • Simmental
  • Texas Longhorn
• Lamb[21] (Ovis aries) – lamb meat[22]
  • Dorper
  • Dorset Horn
  • Hampshire
  • Polled Dorset
  • Suffolk
• Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) – for pork[23]
  • American Yorkshire
  • Berkshire
  • Chester White
  • Duroc
  • Hampshire
  • Poland China
  • Red Wattle
• Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) – just called “rabbit meat”[24]
  • American
  • Belgian Hare
  • Blanc de Hotot
  • Californian
  • Champagne d’Argent
  • Chinchilla
  • Cinnamon
  • Flemish Giant
  • Florida White
  • French Lop
  • Harlequin
  • Lilac
  • New Zealand
  • Palomino
  • Rex
  • Satin
  • Silver Fox

Beverages

Water

Right off the bat, I just have one word for you: water.

Although it’s not part of the MIND Diet per se, the importance of staying properly hydrated cannot be overstated. However, the quality of the water does water.

As I have written an entire article to cover this (see HERE), for now I’ll just state that you want to aim for purified drinking water. This can be accomplished with good-quality water sources (for example, spring water) or bottled water, or by purifying substandard water sources on your own.

Basically, you want to avoid sugary drinks – including soft drinks (such as colas, sodas, etc.) and juices (which are often full of artificial preservatives and sweeteners).

But, it turns out that there is one additional thing that MIND Dieticians recommend that you imbibe.

Wine

Specifically, the recommendation is that you drink no more – and no less – than one glass of quality red wine each day. These will typically be dry wines, as opposed to sweet varieties.

Healthy Red Wines

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Madiran
• Merlot
• Pinot Noir
• Shiraz

Healthy Lighter Wines

The healthiest lighter wines sometimes still have a bit of color to them. And, like their healthy red counterparts, tend to be low in added sugar – and so be found in “brut” or “dry” varieties.

• Champagne/Sparkling Wine
• Pinot Grigio
• Riesling
• Rosé
• Vino Verde

DON’T Eat These

The Main ‘Contraindications’

The flipside of the positive requirements are, predictably, the negative ones. There are certain foods that you should eliminate from your diet as much as possible. At the very least you’re going to want to reduce your intake drastically.

Honestly, many readers could probably write this list just by guessing. The main thing isn’t knowing what is unhealthy. The main thing is acting on that knowledge. Still, so no one can say that they weren’t warned, here are some foods to avoid.

‘Bad’ Meats

• Processed Meats[25]
  • Bacon
  • Beef Jerky
  • Bologna
  • Canned Meats
  • Chicken Nuggets
  • Corned Beef
  • Fish Sticks
  • Ham
  • Hot Dogs
  • Meat-Based Sauces (e.g. Bolognese)
  • Mortadella
  • Pancetta
  • Pastrami
  • Pepperoni
  • Pork Rinds
  • Prosciutto
  • Roast Beef[26]
  • Salami
  • Sausages
  • Vienna Sausages
• Red Meats[27]
  • Beef
  • Goat
  • Horse
  • Mutton
  • Veal

As previously mentioned, however, bison or buffalo meat is considered a fairly health-conscious alternative to the more usual red meats. Another healthier, and underserved, meat is ostrich.

Other Unhealthy Snacks

What makes something “unhealthy”? In general, we’re talking about foods that are heavily processed. Things with a lot of artificial flavors and preservatives are going to be worse than things that are more organic or “natural.”

There might not be many surprises, here. But, it turns out that lot of people are intolerant of dairy products. So, cheeses, milk, and ice cream products are mostly going to have to get a thumbs down.

Of course, there is an adage that says “all things in moderation.” You can bear that in mind. But, be honest with yourself. Don’t use it as a “cop out.”

Some references that I have consulted suggest that you want to limit yourself to no more than one serving per week of these kinds of foods. If you can manage to go without them more often, however, you’ll probably be that much better off.

• Breakfast Cereals
• Brownies
• Cakes and Cupcakes[28]
• Candies (especially Candy Bars)
• Cheeses[29]
  • American
  • Blue
  • Cream[30]
  • Fontina
  • Gruyere
  • Parmesan[31]
• Chocolates[32]
• Coffees (especially ones that are heavily sweetened)
  • Cappuccino
  • Espresso
  • Latte
  • Frappuccino
• Cookies
• Donuts
• Fast Foods
• Fried Foods and Fritters[33]
  • Chimichangas
  • Churros
  • Crab Rangoon
  • French Fries
  • Hushpuppies
  • Onion Rings
  • Tempura
  • Tortilla Chips
• Granola[34]
• Ice Cream and Milk Shakes
• Juices
• Pastries
  • Biscotti
  • Cinnamon Rolls
  • Danishes
  • Scones
• Pies
• Pizzas
• Popcorn (Processed)
• Pop Tarts
• Pretzels
• Snack Cakes

MIND Your Cooking

The MIND-Diet developers also have something to say about food preparation. Specifically, they recommend healthier alternatives to cheap, canola-based cooking oils.[35]

Olive Oil

• Olive Oil, Extra Virgin (Olea europaea)

Olive oil is full of the so-called “good” fats. (For more on this, see HERE.) It is also reputed to have anti-inflammatory capabilities and antioxidants – which are substances that help our bodies neutralize “free radicals.”

I could be wrong in my appraisal. But my untutored take is that there are “bad” things (apart from germs) floating around your body. Usually, your immune system is tasked with the job of getting rid of them. But when you have a lot of bioavailable antioxidants, they are able to take some of the load off your immune system by addressing some of that non-pathogenic crud.

Besides these salubrious properties, olive oil is also supposed to help your body reduce its level of “bad cholesterol.” Additionally, it is believed to help lower blood pressure as well as the risk of cardiovascular problems, heart attacks, and strokes.

On top of all this, a 2013 study suggested that olive oil (or, more specifically, the ingredient called oleocanthal) had the ability to dissolve or otherwise deal with the beta-amyloid and tau protein deposits that are indicative of brain degeneration due to Alzheimer’s.[36]

This is outstanding news and very promising for the treatment of Alzheimer’s dementia. But what about prevention?

Well, a second study in 2013 determined that a nutritional “intervention with [the Mediterranean diet] enhanced with either [extra-virgin olive oil] or [mixed] nuts appear[ed] to improve cognition compared with a low-fat diet.”[37]

What About Other Oils?

Although (as far as I have found) not explicitly addressed in the MIND program, there are several other oils that have begun to appear in general health recommendations.[38]

• Avocado Oil (Persea americana)
• Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum)
• Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera)
• Sesame Oil (Sesamum indicum)
• Walnut Oil (Juglans regia and Juglans nigra)

Butter

Another MIND-Diet no-no? Butter and butter substitutes. This includes, perhaps especially, things like margarine.

In the first place, margarine is often made from less desirable oils such those derived from canola, soybean, and sunflower.[39]

Secondly, margarine is often high in the really bad “trans fat.” Levels have reportedly been decreased as a result of public outcry and governmental scrutiny. But, since there are healthier alternatives (chiefly, olive oil), it’s probably best to avoid margarines entirely.

Conclusion

The real key is to develop an eating regimen that you can sustain.

For many people, the word “diet” connotes something short-lived. You say that you’re “on” a diet just to contrast that with – and look forward to – the time that you’re “off” of it.

The best thing – the healthiest thing – seems to be this. Get into a healthy diet that you can maintain.

Understand: I’m not a dietician. But here’s where I think that this is where the “everything in moderation” aphorism comes into play. If you “go on a diet” that is so austere that you want to die (figuratively speaking), and you can’t wait until it’s over, then obviously you’ll never be able to keep eating like that.

In that case, it’s probably far better to adhere to a diet that is generally health, but with a few “junk foods” mixed in here and there, than it is to go on the austere diet for a few weeks and then go back to eating fast food every day. Does that make sense?

Then… go! And eat healthy(ier).

Notes:

[1] Peas are similar to, and often classified along of, beans (on which, see further on in the main text).

[2] In a way, this is similar to something like artichokes (Cynara scolymus), where the portion of the plant that we eat is actually a flower bud – i.e., a flowering aerial part before it blooms.

[3] Notice that Zea mays also shows up – as popcorn! – on the list of wholegrains, below.

[4] Many people will quickly point out that cashews are often, technically, classified as fruits. I won’t argue the point! But, since they’re usually found in the “nut” aisle at your local grocery store, I figure that it’s best to situate them here on my list.

[5] Some writers categorize peanuts as beans. As with cashews (see the relevant end note), I will not register any opinion. But I will say that my inclusion of peanuts on a list of nuts has more to do with practicality than with scientific precision. In most supermarkets, you’ll find the peanuts in the nut aisle as opposed to with the beans – canned or otherwise.

[6] There is something called a “Noni Berry” (Morinda citrifolia). I have left it off this list because there are reports floating around about it’s possible link to liver toxicity, and I have neither the space nor the time to research this minimally – much less adequately. But it is recommended by some authors. So, I thought I’d throw it’s name out there, anyway.

[7] Yep; my research suggests that these are rightly called “berries.” I just call them yummy.

[8] Is popcorn actually healthy for you? The British newspaper summarized one plausible opinion this way: “Air-popped and eaten plain, popcorn is a healthy whole grain food that is low in calories (about 30 calories per cup) and high in fibre (about 1g per cup), especially when compared to snacks like crisps [i.e., potato chips – Ed.]. …But oil-popped and flavoured popcorn is a different story. … Cinema popcorn is one of the worst offenders when it comes to calories[.]” Sue Quinn, “Is Your ‘Healthy’ Popcorn Really Good for You?” Telegraph (United Kingdom), Jun. 15 2015, <https://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/healthyeating/11674935/Is-your-healthy-popcorn-really-good-for-you.html>.

[9] Again: just a point of classificatory clarification; quinoa appears technically to be a seed.

[10] This is sometimes referred to as “Broom-Corn.”

[11] The worst offenders are supposedly: King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla), Marlin (especially White, Kajikia albidus and Striped, Kajikia audax), Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus), Shark (e.g., Shortfin Mako, Isurus oxyrinchus; Requiem, Carcharhinidae of various subspecies; and Thresher, Alopiidae), Swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Tilefish (Blueline, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps; Golden, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps; and Great Northern, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps), and – yep – Tuna (especially Ahi/Yellowfin, Thunnus albacares, and Bigeye, Thunnus obesus).

[12] As usual, the available information is mixed. One Time magazine article stated that “seafood is associated with higher brain levels of mercury” but added that “those amounts don’t seem to be linked to a higher risk of developing features of Alzheimer’s.” See Alice Park, “Fish, Mercury and Alzheimer’s Risk,” Time, Feb. 2, 2016, <http://time.com/4201808/fish-mercury-and-alzheimers-risk/>.

[13] Some meat on poultry is darker. I suppose that if you’re a purist, you’d stick with the lightest meat that you can get. On the other hand, even the darker meat is “whiter” (so to speak) than most red meats. (As an aside, of all the red meats, Buffalo/Bison is sometimes touted as the healthiest alternative to traditional beef, mutton, venison, etc.) Personally, I’m not that picky. But you make your own call on this one.

[14] It should be noted that the healthiness of many game birds/poultry depends (at least partially) on how the animal is prepared.

[15] There is something called a “Heritage Breed.” As near as I can ascertain, the most basic way to put this is that heritage birds are not mass-produced or genetically modified. I’m sure that farmers and others who are far more knowledgeable will object to this rough characterization. But I’m going to simply say that calling a turkey “heritage” amounts to saying that it’s slightly better than the usual supermarket selections. I’m not entirely sure which birds are heritage, and which are not. But have taken a stab at classifying “heritage” turkeys with an “*.”

[16] These are apparently farmed in factory-like settings. They cannot breed naturally, and aficionados claim that they are prone to having genetic defects and disease.

[17] Pheasants can be used for eggs as well as meat. They can be pricey. And some say that they don’t have a lot of meat on them, especially when contrasted with common varieties of chickens and turkeys. Nevertheless, I am including them, just for reference purposes.

[18] See, e.g., Alexandra Sifferlin, “Which Meats Should You Avoid?” Time, Oct. 26, 2015, <http://time.com/4086896/which-processed-red-meats-should-you-avoid-cancer-who/>.

[19] As opposed to a full-grown cow. My understanding is that if the cow is a dairy cow (which I have attempted to denote with an “*”), then the veal often comes from young males. However, if the cow is raised for beef, then the veal could come from either sex.

[20] Some authors consider veal a red meat.

[21] Rather than the full-grown sheep, which would yield mutton.

[22] Again, some writers do not consider lamb to be white meat.

[23] Bacon and ham show up on the “DON’T Eat These” list. Pork is the so-called “other white meat.” Though, some sources dispute this and classify it as a red meat.

[24] Some sources lump rabbit meat in with prohibited red meats. Others are more lenient – at least (yep; I’ll say it again!) – in moderation.

[25] Sifferlin, op. cit.

[26] However, roast beef is probably the healthiest of the deli meats.

[27] Ibid.

[28] Including Cheesecakes.

[29] Cheddar, Cottage, Feta, Goat, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Sheep (e.g., Pecorino Romano) and Swiss.

[30] Including Neufchâtel.

[31] Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese.

[32] Possibly, there can be some allowance for true dark chocolates – without the added dairy an sugar.

[33] With the possible exception of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) – just because I cannot stomach it any other way! Otherwise, most foods – even chicken, turkey, etc. – become unhealthier when fried.

[34] Of all the junk foods, granola-based products might be some of the best. But, their arguably still the best of the worst. Steer clear and opt for healthier foods whenever you can.

[35] As stated, spray oils often use canola oil as base. While perhaps not as healthy an option as olive oil, canola oil is generally not considered too “bad.” It’s all the other crap that gets put into the spray can that makes these things less than ideal from a health perspective.

[36] A. Abuznait, H. Qosa, B. Busnena, K. El Sayed, and A. Kaddoumi, “Olive-oil-derived oleocanthal enhances β-amyloid clearance as a potential neuroprotective mechanism against Alzheimer’s disease: in vitro and in vivo studies,” Chemical Neuroscience (American Chemical Society), vol. 4, no. 6, Feb. 25, 2013, pp. 973-982, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23414128>.

[37] E. Martínez-Lapiscina, P. Clavero, E. Toledo, R. Estruch, J. Salas-Salvadó, B. San Julián, A. Sanchez-Tainta, E. Ros, C. Valls-Pedret, and M. Martinez-Gonzalez, “Mediterranean Diet Improves Cognition: The PREDIMED-NAVARRA Randomised Trial,” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry (British Medical Journal), vol. 84, no. 12, May 13, 2013, pp. 1318-1325, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23670794>.

[38] What about Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)? I’m treating that in a separate article.

[39] On top of this, the plants used may also be genetically modified organisms (GMO). And for some people this has become a deal breaker.

The post The Alzheimer’s Dementia ‘MIND’ Diet: What Should You Eat? appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s – or of another form of dementia – is a scary thing for a person and his or her family. It is literally lifechanging. We went through the rollercoaster of emotions when my dad, Jim, was diagnosed around 2008. (Read “Jim’s Story,” HERE.)

Much of this website is devoted to things that caretakers can do to better safeguard the home environment.[1] But you don’t want to neglect those things that you yourself can do to minimize the risk of developing Alzheimer’s in the first place. This will include basic tips like these: Get regular exercise; Drink purified water; Reduce your alcohol intake; Make sure you get your nutrients; Sit less; Turn off the TV; Boost your brain activity; Improve your memory; Supplement with herbs and spices; and Get adequate amounts of sleep.

Caveats

Despite researchers’ best efforts, Alzheimer’s Disease remains largely a mystery in many ways. This means that there are no agreed upon – let alone “guaranteed” – ways of avoiding or treating Alzheimer’s. And, presently, there is no cure. This means that, relatedly, there can be no definitive list of “things you can do” to avoid Alzheimer’s.

But this last fact by no means rules out the idea that, based upon our current state of knowledge, some lifestyles changes seem to hold out the promise of improving our odds. (It also gives me an incentive to try to stack the deck in my favor, health-wise. After all, I don’t want any disease; but I especially don’t want a disease about which little is known.) So, even though I am not a doctor and none of what is written in this post constitutes medical advice (for which, see your local healthcare professional), what is included is a bit of what I have done for myself. Even though these suggestions are speculative, there are some indications in the relevant literature that a few of these tips might be effective. Do what you will with the information; employ suggestions at your own risk.

Top Ten List

1. Exercise More

Regular exercise is routinely touted as valuable for health. Even if it’s not quite the fabled panacea, there is no denying the litany of positive benefits associated with it.

For example, exercise strengthens and tones muscles. It can therefore help you to feel – and look – better. This, in turn, can decrease your risk of certain illnesses (e.g., diabetes and heart disease).

But, getting into an exercise routine can also improve the health and vitality of your brain.

One doctor, Jonathan Graff-Radford, writing for the celebrated Mayo Clinic, explains: “Physical activity seems to help your brain not only by keeping the blood flowing but also by increasing chemicals that protect the brain.”[2]

An article published on the website of the prestigious Harvard Medical School stated that: “Regular exercise changes the brain in ways to improve memory and thinking skills…”.[3] This is partly because exercise has anti-inflammatory effects on various parts of the body and it also helps ensure that body internal body chemistry (including insulin and “growth factors”) are optimal.”[4]

Scientific American even published a tantalizing article that claimed exercise might be able to “clean up” the “hostile environments in the brains of Alzheimer’s mice, allowing new nerve cells …to enable cognitive improvements, such as [for] learning and memory.”[5]

Whether you bike, dance, walk, or weight lift, getting at least some exercise every day is repeatedly emphasized as a boon to your overall health.

2. Drink Filtered Water

Do you have any idea how much crud can potentially be in your tap water? Municipal water supplies are contaminated with many chemicals and other substances. These range from herbicides, pesticides and industrial byproducts, to metals like aluminum, lead, and mercury. There are even detectable levels of various microorganisms, pharmaceuticals, and other toxins – in the water that comes out of your faucet!

Numerous of these compounds have been linked to cancer, inflammation, and an assortment of other health problems. For much more detail on these, and related, water-contamination issues, see HERE.

While a definite causal mechanism for Alzheimer’s Disease still has not been pinned down, the condition is often characterized by brain degeneration, inflammation, and toxicity.

Could all the crap floating around in America’s water supplies be at least a contributing cause?

The fact that this seems to be a live possibility leads me to one practical conclusion: To raise the probability that I will escape my dad’s fate, I want to drink the cleanest water available. And my research (which again, is summarized HERE) leads me to think that this means I need to filter my own water.

So, get yourself a good quality filter. Keep it serviced. And stop imbibing chemical-laced tap water!

For my specific filter-related product recommendations, click HERE.

3. Reduce Alcohol Consumption

I’ll admit: This is a tough one for me. I do love a good whiskey. (Sometimes, I’ll even love a bad one.)

Alcohol, especially red wine, is associated with various health improvements. For example, it is reputed to reduce the risk of stroke and to improve general health.

On the other hand, some argue that the component bringing the actual benefits (resveratrol) may be better consumed through other sources, because of the potential dangers of alcohol.

For instance, alcohol can have adverse effects on many of the body’s parts, including the circulatory system and heart (from raising blood pressure to causing irregular heart rhythms) as well as the liver (including cirrhosis, “fatty” liver, and inflammation).

But, most pertinently, alcohol has links to brain problems, including – you guessed it – Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

For a more in-depth discussion of the pros and cons of drinking alcohol, as well as for more related information, see my article, HERE.

Like so many other things in life (not to mention on the present list), perhaps the best advice is this: moderation. “Moderation,” of course, has to do with the avoidance of extremes – that of deficiency on the one hand and overindulgence on the other.[6]

4. Get Your Nutrients

Some observers suggest that Alzheimer’s Disease comes in different varieties. (For more on this intriguing idea, see HERE.)

Relevantly, one of the sub-varieties (“Type 2,” in the idiom of Dr. Dale Bredesen) is believed to be precipitated by nutrient deficiencies of one sort or other.

The basic notion is that our cognitive faculties – things like our abilities to remember and to think – depend on hormonal, nutritional, or other “trophic” support.

In my research, some vitamin deficiencies are possibly important to note.

Vitamin B12. For one thing, there is a bit of literature on the subject of B12 deficiency. B12, also known as cobalamin, plays an essential role ensuring the body’s health at a cellular level. B12 is especially important for blood cells as well as nerve cells. There is some dispute over whether a lack of B12 causes Alzheimer’s per se[7] or whether B12 deficiency is simply Alzheimer’s-like.[8] Honestly though, it’s good advice to keep up your levels of B12 regardless of which is the case.[9]

Vitamin D. Another notable entrant on this list has to be vitamin D. HERE I go more in depth on what vitamin D actually is and why it’s important. For the time being, let’s just say that the august Mayo Clinic has noticed that “people with very low levels of vitamin D …are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia” than are people whose vitamin-D levels are normal.[10]

Copper. Copper is a further substance that sometimes crops up in articles on possible links between dementia and nutrient deficiencies. A lack of copper might bring about the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. Or so says one school of thought on the matter.[11] However, others maintain that copper actually precipitates Alzheimer’s![12] Although the jury’s still out on this issue, it seems reasonable to try to keep your copper intake to within the Food and Drug Administration’s so-called “recommended daily allowances.” Currently, this is supposedly 900 micrograms per day.

Since copper may end up in our bodies via the pipes that carry water into our homes, it may be advisable to invest in a good-quality filter. (For more on this, see the relevant section in this article, above. For specific water-purification recommendations, see HERE.)

Of course, at the most basic level, you want to ensure that you’re eating a balanced diet. Some nutritionists even speak of specialized diet plans such as those geared towards reducing inflammation. For more on dietary tweaks, click HERE, HERE, and HERE.

5. Boost Brain Activity

Earlier, I mentioned the importance of physical exercise for brain health. But, there are also such things as “brain exercises.” To put it slightly differently, there are any of a number of ways to build and strengthen neural connections, as well as to sharpen your reason, and bolster your memory. Improving memory is so important I’m giving it its own separate section, below. Presently, I’ll just sort of dash off a few quick tips for giving your gray matter a bit of a workout.

Do some puzzles or ‘brain teasers.’ Okay: admit it. This is the tip that you’ve been expecting. Many people have heard this one. A good way to keep your brain active is to do crossword (or other) puzzles. And it’s certainly worth considering. Solving (or attempting to solve) puzzles activate brain connections that may have been dormant for some time. In other words, they tax our brains. Besides crosswords, there are brain teasers, checkers and chess problems, logic puzzles, sudokus, and so on. There’s practically something for everyone. So, think about trying one of these the next time you reach for your television remote.

Get creative. Write a poem. Write in a journal. Draw a picture. (Or paint one.) Turn on a piece of music. Sing along – trying to memorize the words. Sculpt. Act in a play (and memorize those lines). Alternatively, go to your local art museum and make a study of some of the pieces.

Learn something new. This could be something large and involved – like a new language or a musical instrument – or it could be something smaller – like a memorizable passage from a book or a word-of-the-day. You could take an actual class, or just read a book. (But, maybe try to avoid watching courses on tv. For the reason, see further on.) Keep challenging your brain, the thinking goes, and you’ll keep building neuronal pathways. And that’s a good thing.

Rely less on artificial and ‘external’ helps. What do I mean? Well, how much change are you owed as giving the cashier a $20 bill on a total of $17.23? Don’t just do nothing and assume that she knows the answer (or, more likely, that her register computer will tell her). Don’t turn immediately for your calculator (or, more likely, the “calc app” on your smartphone). Instead, try to work it out in your head.  (Okay… maybe you’re allowed a pencil and paper.) Scary, right? I realize. But think of it this way: you’re not being graded! Even if you get the answer wrong, at least you gave your brain a mini workout. And we’re surrounded with similar opportunities.

6. Work on Your Memory

One interesting and (I think) neglected area is memory development. This is in addition to giving your brain nutritional support as well as a “workout.” (For more on these, see the relevant sections, above.)

It seems that every day, we rely more and more heavily on cell phones and other electronic devices as memory aids. Part of our reliance pertains to maintenance of our daily calendars and schedules. And phone numbers? Who knows those any longer?!

But of late this over-reliance seems to have extended even to basic facts – which we can have told to us by the virtual voices of Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, etc.

This might appear to be a great help. And, there’s no denying the “convenience” of it. However, it is possible that our dependence on these sorts of artificial helps has a negative impact on our natural capacity to remember things. So, here’s one quick suggestion that I have been taking to heart, lately.

Don’t (over-)rely on memory aids. If you have a list of things to purchase from the store, try to remember it. Of course, you should write it down – both as a backup and as a means of memorizing the list. But don’t be so quick to turn to the list for that next item. Put a little effort into trying to bring it to mind without any outside help. Make a game out of it.

Not scoring so well in this game? Take heart! For, believe it or not, there are ways of enhancing our memories.

(For more detailed explanations of these various techniques, see my companion article: “How to Boost Memory & Possibly Avoid Alzheimer’s.”)

Use the ‘major system.’ This system uses letter combinations as an assist to remembering numbers. To start with, you actually have to memorize the substitution list. (Sorry!) But after you have the short list down, it becomes a lot easier. It’s beyond the scope of the present article to explain the workings of the system. (For that stuff, click HERE!) Suffice it to say that this fairly straightforward mnemonic allows for the memorization of things like birthdates, social-security numbers, telephone numbers and the like. Impress your friends! But, more importantly, enhance your memory.

Build yourself a mind palace. The precise goings on are too nuanced to expound upon, here. At present, I will simply note that there are memory procedures involving the creation of mnemonic devices along with the construction (within the mind) of something termed a “memory palace”[13] – popularized on such television shows as the BBC’s Sherlock (airing in four seasons from 2010 to 2017 and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman) as well as figuring in several performances by the British “mentalist” Derren Brown.[14]

While there is no word (that I have seen) regarding whether these techniques shield their user from dementias, as I have stated elsewhere, my concern is just stacking the odds in my favor. And, my guess is that it’s better to have a robust and healthy memory than, well… not.

Again, for the more detailed discussion of these memory-building techniques, see HERE.

7. Add Some Spice to Your Life

We have already discussed the fact that some vitamin (and other) supplements can usefully augment your diet, thus (possibly) stacking the odds of avoiding dementia more in your favor. But it turns out that some of the ingredients on your kitchen spice rack might actually reduce some of your Alzheimer risks as well.

I have also touched upon some of these elsewhere. (So check that out, HERE.) Suffice it to say, here, that several everyday seasonings also are reputed to have some potent health effects.

Here are just a few examples.

Cinnamon. Take cinnamon, for instance. According to an article just published in the academic journal Pharmacological Research, “[c]innamon …[is] a promising prospect towards Alzheimer’s disease.”[15] “[T]wo compounds found in cinnamon – cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin – are showing some promise in the effort to fight the disease. …[T]he compounds have been shown to prevent the development of the filamentous ‘tangles’ found in the brain cells that characterize Alzheimer’s.”[16]

Turmeric. One study suggests that turmeric (curcumin) may reduce Alzheimer’s-related brain inflammation and, consequently, improve patient’s memory. On the flip side, taking it before onset might stave off the Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Here’s an excerpt from the article’s abstract. “Curcumin …has a potential role in the prevention and treatment of AD. Curcumin as an …anti-inflammatory …improves the cognitive functions in patients with AD. A growing body of evidence indicates that oxidative stress, free radicals, beta amyloid, cerebral deregulation caused by bio-metal toxicity and abnormal inflammatory reactions contribute to the key event in Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Due to various effects of curcumin, such as decreased Beta-amyloid plaques, delayed degradation of neurons, metal-chelation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and decreased microglia formation, the overall memory in patients with AD has improved.”[17]

Ginger. I should also mention ginger. Though, admittedly, in this case research suggests that ginger is useful not so much for Alzheimer’s prevention as for symptom management. The idea is that “traditional Chinese medicinal ginger root extract (GRE)” might help “to prevent behavioral dysfunction in the Alzheimer disease…”.[18]

8. Sit Less (and Stand More)

According to a scholarly article published in 2015: “Prolonged sedentary time was …associated with deleterious health outcomes regardless of physical activity.”[19] Got that? Regardless of physical activity!

That means that if you sit a lot – and “more than half of the average person’s waking hours are spent sitting”[20] doing one activity of other – then you are increasing your risk for numerous conditions and diseases.

I’ve gone into this elsewhere. (For more, see HERE.) But, in general terms, “too much sitting …increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and premature death.”[21]

And wouldn’t you know it? Sitting is also bad for the brain, specifically. Too much sitting can cause a “[t]hinning in brain regions [that are] important for memory…”.[22]

One study suggested to the writers at Medical News Today that the effects of a sedentary lifestyle were so pronounced as to raise a person’s level of risk to that which he or she would have if there were a genetic predisposition. Citing a 2017 article in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease,[23] one reporter observed that a “lack of exercise” – typical of people who sit all day long – “may be …as risky for dementia development …[as is] carrying the APOE e4 gene,”[24] for more on which gene, see HERE and HERE. To put some numbers to it, we’re talking in the neighborhood of three to twelve times higher risk.

That’s a huge and significant increase. So, get off your duff!

Stand More. A simple “fix” for sitting too much is, well… standing more often. There are a number of ways to do this, including getting standing desks for work. But, straightforwardly, just try to take every opportunity that you have to be a little more active. For some ideas to get you going – both literally and metaphorically – see HERE.

9. Turn off the Television

You might be thinking, “Some kinds of sitting are arguably worse than other others.” And this is doubtless true.

For instance, you can sit and work a crossword puzzle or read a Shakespearean sonnet. On the other hand, you could sit and “binge watch” your latest guilty pleasure on Netflix.

It turns out, then, not so much that extended sitting can be made better, but that its negative effects can be compounded with the introduction of television.

Indeed, the culprit, here, isn’t just “television” (full stop). It’s any related form of electronic-video viewing.

According to a 2015 article in America Magazine: “[T]he more TV you watch, the more likely you are to get Alzheimer’s disease.”[25]

This conclusion was based on a twenty-five-year study carried out by the San Francisco-based Northern California Institute for Research and Education. Commenting on the same research, one Washington Post writer explained that “too much TV might damage your brain and also raise the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”[26]

In fact, a link between dementia and television had been suggested nearly fifteen years earlier.

In 2001, a Dr. Robert Friedland and his team declared that tv viewing was potentially deleterious to brain and cognitive health.[27] In their findings, watching television was highly correlated with Alzheimer’s. To put it another way, those who developed Alzheimer’s later in life had been observed to have been (or reported having been) “heavy” tv viewers.[28]

I go into greater depth on this, HERE. Suffice it to say that you might want to consider turning off – or, at least limiting your time in front of – the tube. (And I’ll certainly be considering the same thing!)

10. Relax – and Get Your Sleep

Now that you’re all good and worked up over your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, just try to settle down. What’s the saying? Worrying doesn’t add any days to your life. In fact, it might even subtract a few of them. So, cool it.

Seriously, though, this is important. I have elsewhere written about the necessity of getting optimal (or at least adequate) amounts of sleep. (It’s so crucial, it has two articles – and counting. Get started HERE and HERE.)

But a corollary of this advice is that we all (you and me both) need to stop worrying so much.

One article on the popular WebMD website relates that high levels of “…stress” might predispose us “for the kind of thinking difficulties that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease…”.[29]

The Mayo Clinic explains that stress prompts our bodies to release the hormone cortisol. In turn, chronically high cortisol levels can precipitate all sorts of health problems, including: emotional difficulties (e.g., anxiety and depression) as well as physical troubles. These latter can come in the form of so-called “stress” headaches, stomach troubles, and – yes – “[m]emory and concentration impairment.”[30]

Stress is also known to disrupt sleep. And this lack of proper rest and restoration can further increase stress – as well as put us at greater risk for Alzheimer’s.

Here are some things to try to minimize (or deal with) the stressors in your life.

Avoid drugs. This variously sounds absurd and obvious. But as I am reading over some of the things that can cause stress, what appears on the list? We’re talking about alcohol (which I addressed above), caffeine, cigarettes and nicotine, and so on. (I’m tempted to add sugar to that list. Ahem.) It sometimes seems that nothing good comes from these except addiction. Of course, we often hear platitudes like “all things in moderation.” (I even used it myself, above, regarding that chimerical beast, “moderate drinking.”) And if you do really have the ability to be moderate then… good for you! Sincerely! For the rest of us, maybe we should just lay off (as best we can). (Oh, my precious whiskey…)

Exercise. This stress-reduction list has a lot of similarities to the present article, n’est-ce pas? Coincidence? So, get out and move around a little – or a lot. It can do your body a lot of good just to go for a walk. Jog or run if you can manage. Do some yoga. Learn some breathing techniques. Lift weights. Cycle. You get the idea. Just do something.

Seek counseling. This may or may not require the hiring of a professional (and licensed) therapist of one kind or other. It may be as simple as just having good friends to lean on. Alternatively, it might necessitate engaging a “life coach,” personal assistant, or someone who can help make your daily tasks more controllable, predictable, and organized. Time management is a key, here.

Get more sleep! But this can be difficult (or practically impossible) when you’re already stressed out. It begins a proverbial vicious cycle. What can be done?

Well, here are a few herbs (and other things) that can take the edge off enough to help you get those Zs.

I’m focused on things that are, according to my untutored reading, not as habit-forming as alcohol (or even some of the prescription or OTC concoctions that people go in for these days).

My top herbal picks would include the following:

• Hops (Humulus lupulus).
• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis).
• Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata).
• Valerian (Valerian officinalis).

For the a non-herbal sleep assist, it’s hard to do better than the amino acid:

• L-Tryptophan.

For more in-depth information on these supplements – and for several other recommendations (e.g., GABA and melatonin) – click HERE.

A final suggestion is to regulate your light and sunlight exposure. Here’s what I mean. It can be extremely beneficial to get some sunlight during the day. For instance, natural light helps your body produce vitamin D naturally. (For more on this, see above as well as HERE and HERE.)

Equally and oppositely, limiting light exposure at night can be vital for your ability to sleep. For most people (who don’t work nights), limiting sunlight isn’t a problem during their scheduled sleeping period. But, here, it is essential to reduce your exposure to artificial lights – including electronic displays. (Read additional tips HERE.)

Summary

10 Things You Can Do to Lessen Your Alzheimer’s Risk:

1. Exercise
2. Drink Purified Water
3. Cut Back on Alcohol
4. Eat Well & Take Your Vitamins
5. Give Your Brain a Workout
6. Enhance Your Memory
7. Reach for Your Kitchen Spices
8. Sit Less/Stand More
9. Watch Less TV
10. Get Enough Rest

Notes:

[1] See the five-part guide to Alzheimer’s-proofing a home: Part 1 – Master List; Part 2 – Senior Safety; Part 3 – Alzheimer’s Tips; Part 4 – Kitchens & Baths; Part 5 – Indoors & Outdoors..

[2] Jonathan Graff-Radford, “Alzheimer’s Disease: Can Exercise Prevent Memory Loss?” Mayo Clinic, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/alzheimers-disease/faq-20057881>.

[3] Heidi Godman, “Regular Exercise Changes the Brain to Improve Memory, Thinking Skills,” Harvard Medical School, Apr. 9, 2014; updated Apr. 5, 2018, <https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110>.

[4] “[G]rowth factors …[are] chemicals in the brain that affect the health of brain cells, the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, and even the abundance and survival of new brain cells.” Ibid.

[5] Jonathan Grinstein, “How Exercise Might ‘Clean’ the Alzheimer’s Brain: Hints at Potential Treatments for Age-Related Dementia and Memory Loss,” Scientific American, Oct. 16, 2018, <https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-exercise-might-clean-the-alzheimers-brain1/>.

[6] It’s something like an application of Aristotle’s famous “golden mean.” A commonly cited example is that of courage that, properly construed is “midway” (so to speak) between cowardice and recklessness abandon.

[7] But see Jennifer Warner, “Vitamin B12 Linked to Lower Alzheimer’s Risk,” WebMD, Oct. 18, 2010, <https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20101018/vitamin-b12-linked-to-lower-alzheimers-risk>.

[8] See, e.g., “What’s Causing Your Memory Loss? It’s Not Necessarily Alzheimer’s,” HelpGuide, n.d., <https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/whats-causing-your-memory-loss.htm>.

[9] For more reading, see A. Osimani, A. Berger, J. Friedman, B. Porat-Katz, and J. Abarbanel, “Neuropsychology of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Elderly Dementia Patients and Control Subjects,” Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, vol. 18, no. 1, Mar. 2005, pp. 33-8, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15681626>.

[10] Jonathan Graff-Radford, “Can Taking Vitamin D Supplements or Spending More Time in the Sun Help Prevent Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia?” Mayo Clinic, May 30, 2018, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/vitamin-d-alzheimers/faq-20111272>.

[11] See, for instance, J. Xu, S. Church, S. Patassini, P. Begley, H. Waldvogel, M. Curtis, R. Faull, R. Unwin, and G. Cooper, “Evidence for Widespread, Severe Brain Copper Deficiency in Alzheimer’s Dementia,” Metallomics, Aug 16, 2017, vol. 9, no. 8, pp. 1106-1119, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28654115> and L. Klevay, “Alzheimer’s Disease as Copper Deficiency,” Medical Hypotheses, vol. 70, no. 4, Oct. 24, 2007, pp. 802-807, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17928161>.

[12] For the Cliff’s Notes’s version, take a look at Andrew Weil, “Does Copper Lead to Alzheimer’s?” Dr. Weil (dot) com, Nov. 11, 2013, <https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/health-centers/aging-gracefully/does-copper-lead-to-alzheimers/>.

[13] This is also sometimes called the method of places

[14] For an entertaining illustration of which, see HERE.

[15] “Various cinnamon species and their biologically active ingredients have renewed the interest towards the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate A[lzheimer’s]D[isease] through the inhibition of tau protein aggregation and prevention of the formation and accumulation of amyloid-β peptides into the neurotoxic oligomeric inclusions, both of which are considered to be the AD trademarks.” according to S. Momtaz, S. Hassani, F. Khan, M. Ziaee, and M. Abdollahi, “Cinnamon, a Promising Prospect Towards Alzheimer’s Disease,” Pharmacological Research, vol. 130, Dec. 2017 (online); Apr. 2018 (in print), pp. 241-258, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29258915>.

[16] “Cinnamon Compound Has Potential Ability to Prevent Alzheimer’s,” Science Daily, May 23, 2013, <https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130523143737.htm>; citing Roshni George, John Lew, and Donald Graves, “Interaction of Cinnamaldehyde and Epicatechin with Tau: Implications of Beneficial Effects in Modulating Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis,” Charles Ramassamy, ed., Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, vol. 36, no. 1, Jun. 2013, pp. 21-41, <https://www.j-alz.com/vol36-1>.

[17] Shrikant Mishra and Kalpana Palanivelu, “The Effect of Curcumin (Turmeric) on Alzheimer’s Disease: An Overview,” Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, vol. 11, no. 1, Jan.-Mar. 2008, pp. 13-19, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781139/>.

[18] G. Zeng, Z. Zhang, L. Lu, D. Xiao, S. Zong, and J. He, “Protective Effects of Ginger Root Extract on Alzheimer Disease-Induced Behavioral Dysfunction in Rats,” Rejuvenation Research, Apr. 2013, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 124-33, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23374025>.

[19] Aviroop Biswas, Paul Oh, Guy Faulkner, Ravi Bajaj, Michael Silver, Marc Mitchell, David Alter, “Sedentary Time and Its Association With Risk for Disease Incidence, Mortality, and Hospitalization in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” Annals of Internal Medicine, vol. 162, no. 2, Jan. 20, 2015, pp. 123-132, <http://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/2091327/sedentary-time-its-association-risk-disease-incidence-mortality-hospitalization-adults>.

[20] Julie Corliss, “Too Much Sitting Linked to Heart Disease, Diabetes, Premature Death,” Harvard Heart Letter, Jan. 22, 2015, online at <https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/much-sitting-linked-heart-disease-diabetes-premature-death-201501227618>.

[21] Leigh Hopper, “Sitting Is Bad for Your Brain – Not Just Your Metabolism or Heart,” Univ. of Cal. – Los Angeles, press release, Apr. 12, 2018, <https://eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-04/uoc–sib041118.php>. See, also, Laurie Tarkan, “The Connection Between Sitting and Diabetes,” On-Track Diabetes, Jul. 27, 2017, <https://www.ontrackdiabetes.com/get-fit/motivation/connection-between-sitting-diabetes> and Earl Ford and Carl Caspersen, “Sedentary Behaviour and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Prospective Studies,” International Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 41, no. 5, Oct. 2012, pp. 1338-1353, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4582407/>.

[22] Hopper, op. cit. Cf. Prabha Siddarth, Alison Burggren, Harris Eyre, Gary Small, and David Merrill, “Sedentary Behavior Associated With Reduced Medial Temporal Lobe Thickness in Middle-Aged and Older Adults,” PLoS ONE (Public Library of Science), vol. 13, no. 4, Apr. 12, 2018, <https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0195549>.

[23] Barbara Fenesi, Hanna Fang, Ana Kovacevic, Mark Oremus, Parminder Raina, and Jennifer Heisz, “Physical Exercise Moderates the Relationship of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Genotype and Dementia Risk: A Population-Based Study,” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, vol. 56, no. 1, Jan. 2017, pp. 297-303. Relatedly, it is also the case that the dementia sufferers tend to be more sedentary than comparable non-dementia individuals. See Y. Hartman, E. Karssemeijer, L. van Diepen, M. Rikkert, and D. Thijssen, “Dementia Patients Are More Sedentary and Less Physically Active than Age- and Sex-Matched Cognitively Healthy Older Adults,” Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, vol. 46, nos. 1-2, Aug. 24, 2018, pp. 81-89, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30145584>.

[24] Honor Whiteman, “Sedentary Behavior Raises Dementia Risk as Much as Genetic Factors,” Medical News Today, Jan. 15, 2017, <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315173.php>.

[25] Mark Pattison, “New Study Shows Link Between TV Viewing and Alzheimer’s,” America; via Catholic News Service, Jul. 31, 2015, <https://www.americamagazine.org/content/all-things/tv-viewing-linked-alzheimers>.

[26] Fredrick Kunkle, “Too Much TV Could Raise the Risk of Alzheimer’s, Study Suggests,” Washington Post, Jul. 20, 2015, <https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/too-much-tv-can-raise-the-risk-of-alzheimers-new-study-suggests/2015/07/20/7dcdc4cc-2eea-11e5-97ae-30a30cca95d7_story.html>.

[27] See, e.g., Roger Highfield, “Scientists Hint at Link Between TV and Alzheimer’s,” Telegraph (British newspaper), Mar. 6, 2001, <https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/1325216/Scientists-hint-at-link-between-TV-and-Alzheimers.html>.

[28] Cf. David Wilkes, “Can TV Lead to Alzheimer’s?” Daily Mail (British newspaper), n.d., <https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-28720/Can-TV-lead-Alzheimers.html>.

[29] Tara Haelle, “Stress and Alzheimer’s-Linked Thinking Problems,” HealthDay via WedMD, Dec. 11, 2015, <https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20151211/stress-may-boost-risk-for-alzheimers-linked-thinking-problems>.

[30] Staff writers, “Chronic Stress Puts Your Health at Risk,” Mayo Clinic, Apr. 21, 2016, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037>.

The post 10 Things to Do Now to Reduce Your Alzheimer’s Risk Later appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

Although it has not been definitively established by scientists, it is reasonable to think that exposure to contaminated drinking water can constitute a significant risk to our health. Even in first-world countries, water contamination is a serious problem. From naturally occurring compounds like bacteria and heavy metals to industrial waste products like pesticides and pharmaceuticals, the junk in our drinking water could be – at least partly – responsible for the brain inflammation and toxicity that is characteristic of Alzheimer’s.

Background

As General Jack Ripper (played by Sterling Hayden) put it in Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 film, Dr. Strangelove: “Water. That’s what I’m getting at: water. …Why, do you realize that 70 percent of you is water?” That may be overstating things a bit. Figures vary. But, indeed, human beings are arguably upwards of 50% water.

To put it another way, our bodies are literally saturated with water, and we require clean, fresh water to live. General Ripper, as kooky as he may have been, got that bit right. Even a broken clock is correct twice a day!

The sad – and somewhat shocking – fact is, however, that our drinking water isn’t as clean as we might hope. And it’s a lot, well… dirtier than many people are aware.

According to one article, in the U.S. alone, “…29 million people [are] drinking water that missed the mark on either health or reporting standards.”[1] And that just means that their drinking water isn’t as clean as the bare minimum required by governing regulations.

But, regulations sometimes allow quite a bit to get through.[2] And, in other cases, polluting materials can work their way into the water between the processing facility and your drinking glass.

The contaminants found in drinking water could lead to cell and tissue damage in almost any part of our body. But perhaps the scariest thing to consider – and our present focus – is the potential for damage to our brains and nervous systems.

The brain is somewhat insulated from run-of-the-mill contaminants by something called the “blood-brain barrier.” Without getting into the physiological details, this barrier is a byproduct of the function of brain and spinal blood vessels. It effectively blocks many, but not all, harmful substances from getting to our master control center.

There is little question but that we are daily exposed to environmental toxins. To get a fix on the scope of the problem, look at a list of some of the things that might show up in drinking water. Bear in mind that not every area will be equally polluted. Not all these chemicals (or other compounds) are found in every water sample. But this list – although it is not exhaustive – can give you an idea of why this may very well be a problem.

List of Some Contaminants Possibly Found in Municipal Water

Inorganic Materials

To flash back to high school chemistry, I note that “inorganic” matter is that which does not contain carbon. That clears it right up, doesn’t it? Take heart, the actual chemical properties are of secondary importance in the present context. The basic point that I am making is that there is a lot of crud in our water supply.

Contaminants include the following.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals run the gamut in terms both of effects on health as well as of source. Take aluminum, for instance. In 1989, the vaunted Chicago Tribune reported: “Fact No. 1: High levels of aluminum have been found in the brains of victims of Alzheimer’s disease… Fact No. 2: An aluminum compound is commonly used to purify public drinking water supplies. Fact No. 3: Neither the federal nor the state government has set standards for the amount of aluminum that is allowed in drinking water.”[3]

Even if the water coming into your home is clean – and, chance are, it isn’t – the fact is that it can become contaminated by your own pipes. “…Low levels of lead exposure are linked to damage to a child’s blood cells and nervous system, as well as learning disabilities, poor hearing, impaired growth and more. …Lead ‘bio-accumulates’ in the body, which means it stays and builds up over time, so ongoing exposure, even at extremely low levels, can become toxic. …[L]ead can enter your home when lead plumbing materials, which can include faucets, pipes, fittings and the solder that holds them all together, become corroded and begin to release lead into the water.”[4]

Well water is by no means perfect, either. Another example? Iron, which is mostly found at low levels, can harbor bacteria (on which, see more, below). “…[I]ron sediments may contain trace impurities or harbor bacteria that can be harmful. Iron bacteria are naturally occurring organisms that can dissolve iron and some other minerals. These bacteria also form a brown slime that can build up in water pipes. Iron bacteria are most commonly problematic in wells, where water has not been chlorinated.”[5] (But on the health risks of chlorination, see further down.)

Or, again, according to the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA), inorganic mercury usually comes from “erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills; and runoff from croplands.”[6] “High exposure to inorganic mercury may result in damage to …the nervous system… Symptoms of high exposures to inorganic mercury include: …memory loss …[and] mental disturbances…”.[7]

Heavy Metals at a Glance:

• Aluminum
• Antimony
• Barium
• Beryllium
• Bismuth
• Cadmium
• Cobalt
• Chromium
• Copper
• Iron
• Lead
• Mercury
• Molybdenum
• Nickel
• Silver[8]
• Vanadium
• Zinc

Medical Compounds

“A vast array of pharmaceuticals including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans… [T]he concentrations of these pharmaceuticals are tiny, …[b]ut the presence of so many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health.”[9]

One upsetting aspect of this is the fact that the Environmental Protection Agency does not officially track the presence of pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Peruse the list of 90 or so chemicals that it does monitor, and you won’t find any mention of either prescription or over-the-counter medications.[10]

Pharmaceuticals at a Glance:

• Analgesics or NSAIDs (Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Carbamazepine, Diclofenac, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Oxycodone, etc.)
• Antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin, Penicillin, Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim), Barbiturates (Clonazepam, Phenobarbital, Primidone, etc.)
• Disinfectants (Chloramine, Formaldehyde, Triclosan, etc.)
• Hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone/Progestin, Testosterone, etc.)
• Simulants (Amphetamine [Adderall], Caffeine, methylphenidate [Ritalin], etc.)

Metalloids

In 2013, the New York Times, America’s “newspaper of record,” reported on a “a toxic element common in drinking water.”[11] The element in question? The well-known slow-acting poison arsenic!

“It seeps into groundwater[.] …[F]or many years its presence was mostly noted and dismissed by public health researchers. They’ve changed their minds. Long famed for its homicidal toxicity at high doses, a number of studies suggest that arsenic is …able to do damage even at low doses.”

Metalloids at a Glance:

• Arsenic
• Selenium

Potentially Harmful Gases

An article in Scientific American reported on the fact that “[a]lthough chlorine is widely used as an effective way to disinfect drinking water, researchers are concerned that it can lead to bladder, rectal and breast cancers.”[12]

Gases at a Glance:

• Ammonia
• Chlorine

Miscellaneous Chemicals

This category could be wide-ranging. But I will simply note that a few chemicals – like haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes – are formed as by-products of the chlorination process. Basically, hazardous chemicals can be formed in attempts to disinfect the water supply.

“[C]hlorine [see above] …interacts with organic compounds to create trihalomethanes (THMs)—which when ingested encourage the growth of free radicals that can destroy or damage vital cells in the body.”[13] “The trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids have demonstrated carcinogenic activity in laboratory animals.”[14]

Miscellaneous Chemicals at a Glance:

• Haloacetic Acids
• Octylphenols
• Nonylphenols
• Trihalomethanes

Radioactive Compounds

“Does your tap water contain the radioactive element radium? You might be surprised to hear that tap water for more than 170 million Americans contains the compound…”.[15] “Radium in water may pose a hazard to human health when the water is used for drinking or cooking. …Absorbed radium …is deposited in the tissues of the body, especially bone …[,] emits alpha particles[,] …[and] may …damage surrounding tissue.”[16]

Although not as widespread of a risk, uranium is also found in some U.S. drinking-water samples. One recent headline declared: “6 million U.S. residents are drinking uranium-contaminated water…”.[17]

Radioactive Compounds at a Glance:

• Radium (Ra-226, Ra-228)[18]
• Uranium[19]

Organic Materials

“Organic” materials are those that do contain carbon. Usually, these are the things that are “associated” with living matter. But, again, even if my taxonomies are a bit off, the underlying purpose of this list is simply to help readers get a handle on the scope of the possible contamination.

Potentially Harmful Salts

“[N]itrate …[is] a common groundwater contaminant …that stems from chemical and animal waste fertilizers. …Nitrate has …adverse health effects on humans…”.[20]

Salts at a Glance:

• Chloride
• Fluoride
• Nitrate
• Nitrite
• Perchlorate

Viruses & Bacteria

Let’s start off with an example that really shocked me when I found out about it. Ever heard of Salmonella? That’s exclusive to raw eggs, right? Anyway, that’s what I thought; but, no!

In 2008, residents of one Colorado town were sickened by Salmonella – in their tap water. “State health officials warned residents of a southern Colorado town Wednesday to stop drinking and cooking with tap water because they said it might be linked to a salmonella outbreak.”[21]

The presence in drinking water – and even municipal tap water – of various viruses and bacteria has been documented in several peer-reviewed scientific journals.[22] Most of these critters have scary names, like Legionella pneumophila.[23]

Bacteria & Viruses at a Glance:

• Adenovirus
• Anabaena circinalis
• Astrovirus
• Bacillus atrophaues
• Bacteriophage MS2
• Calicivirus (Norwalk)
• Coliform bacteria (e.g., e. Coli)
• Cytomegalovirus[24]
• Enterovirus (e.g., Coxsackie A & B, ECHO, Poliovirus)
• Giardia lamblia (“Beaver Fever”)
• Hepatitis A and E
• Legionella pneumophila (“Legionnaires’ Disease”)
• Norovirus, Polyomavirus[25]
• Raoultella terrigena
• Rotavirus
• Salmonella Enterica.

Fungi

“Tap water is a potential site of pathogenic fungal contamination and may be a particular concern even in urban areas of developing nations. …In the United States, …drinking water is considered ‘among the safest in the world’… . Nevertheless, pathogenic fungi can still enter drinking water in developed nations, including all types of treated tap and bottled water.”

Fungi at a Glance:

• Acremonium
• Aspergillus
• Candida (albicans, parapsilosis)
• Chaetomium
• Cladosporium
• Exophiala dermatitidis
• Fusarium
• Microsporidia
• Mycelia
• Paecilomyces
• Penicillium
• Trichoderma

Parasites

Parasites are some of the creepiest things on my list. They may or may not be the most damaging among the other tap-water difficulties that we’ve surveyed. But they certainly have a high “ick factor.”

Could it be a problem? The Minnesota Department of Health once reported: “In April 1993, an intestinal parasite called Cryptosporidium was responsible for a major outbreak of illness in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. More than 400,000 people became ill after drinking contaminated water from the city water supply system.”[26]

Parasites at a Glance:

• Cryptosporidium parvum
• Rotifera

Pesticides

Is this really a concern? Here’s what the Washington Post revealed under the title ““First Evidence Found of Popular Farm Pesticides in Drinking Water”: “…[S]cientists studying the country’s waterways [have] started to detect neonicotinoid pollutants. In 2015, the U.S. Geological Survey collected water samples from streams throughout the United States and discovered neonicotinoids in more than half of the samples. …[More recently,] …chemists and engineers at the USGS and University of Iowa reported that they found neonicotinoids in treated drinking water.”[27]

There are a million pesticides and other volatile compounds. Virtually all of them have ponderous chemical names. I will not try to make an exhaustive list but will satisfy myself with hitting a few of the highlights.

Pesticides at a Glance:

• Acenaphthylenes
• Bromofluorobenzenes
• Bromomethanes
• Chlorobenzenes
• Chloroethanes
• Chlorotoluenes
• Dichloroethanes
• Dichloroethylenes
• Dichloropropanes
• Ethylbenzenes
• Glyphosates
• Hexachlorobenzenes
• Hexachlorobutadiene
• Isopropylbenzenes
• Isopropyltoluenes
• Monochlorobenzenes
• Pentachlorophenols
• Naphthalenes
• Tetrachloroethanes
• Trichlorobenzenes
• Trichloroethanes
• Trichlorofluoromethanes
• Trichlorotrifluoroethanes

Is Bottled Water a Viable Alternative?

Possibly. It may be much better than certain municipal water supplies. But consider a couple of things.

First, various water-bottling facilities get their source water from municipal water. Thus, in cases like this, unless there is considerable secondary purification at the bottling facility, it is likely that your bottled water is only as good as the run-of-the-mill tap water.

This might be why one journalist disclosed that she was told by an EPA employee: “with bottled water ‘it’s a crapshoot what you’re getting.’”[28]

Another writer stated flat-out: “don’t think that buying bottled water is any solution.”[29]

Sometimes bottled water can introduce new hazards. For example, “…bottled water is tested at the plant, not after it’s been sitting in plastic for up to two years. Chemicals from bottles have been shown to leach into water over time.”[30]

So, second, chemicals like Bisphenol A (also called BPA) – which may not be in tap water – can get into your bottled water. According to an article on the website of the prestigious Mayo Clinic: “BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make …polycarbonate plastics… . Polycarbonate plastics are often used in …water bottles.”[31]

One recent “study show[ed] that BPA is a ubiquitous contaminant in surface, tap and bottled mineral water.”[32]

True, it is usually present in “[l]ow levels.”[33] But, according to some sources, “BPA is a micropollutant, a type of everyday chemical that can affect people even in low doses. Most of our exposure comes from canned food and plastic food and drink containers. Studies have also shown that the chemical is found in …drinking water.”[34]

“…BPA [is] detect[able] in most …drinking water samples. BPA in tap water …[is worst] in samples collected from taps connected to PVC pipes and water filter devices. Bottled mineral water had lower levels of BPA …[,] although samples stored in poor storage condition had significantly higher levels… .”[35]

How Can You Protect Yourself From Contaminated Water?

The really disturbing part is that our water-treatment facilities seem to be inadequate in many ways.

For example, some contaminants are allegedly traceable “to the water treatment process” itself.[36] We’ve already seen (above) that the primary means of disinfection – water chlorination – can actually precipitate chemicals (like trihalomethanes) that are (probably) carcinogenic. Even some carbon-element filters can harbor bacteria. This is why, once upon a time, water-filter elements were impregnated with silver. (For more on silver – including its alleged antibiotic properties – and how it can possibly make sense to include it in your diet, see HERE.)

And if, as we just mentioned in the previous section, bottled water leaves something to be desired. What is there left to do?

It turns out that, even if you have access to it, the “raw” water right out of a stream may not be the best choice either. It can be teeming with all sorts of environmental toxins, parasites, and pollutants.[37] Is there anything that we can safely drink?

Hope is not lost. But it may be wise to implement a multi-layered strategy. For instance, you’ll definitely want to employ some sort of water filter in your home.

Purification Methods

“[A] variety of methods may be used to remove potentially harmful microorganisms from the water supply. …[T]he most common methods to treat community water supplies (particularly when the source is surface water, which is generally more prone to significant contamination then groundwater) include coagulation and flocculation (positively charged chemicals are added to bind with negatively charged dirt and other particulate matter), sedimentation of these now larger particles, filtration using natural and artificial filters, and disinfection with chemicals such as chlorine or chloramine (often done as the final step in water purification).”[38]

Boiling

Boiling is a highly effective way to kill pathogenic (and other) microorganisms. Most microorganisms are unable to survive in water temperatures between 160° and 185° Fahrenheit (70°-85° Celsius). Therefore, bringing a water sample to a full boil – usually, at 212° F (100° C) – will more or less completely eradicate pathogens. Boiling for a few minutes virtually ensures that the sample will be clean.[39]

However, boiling will not remove (all) chemical pollutants. (Although, possibly, some may evaporate.) Other processes are required for total water purification.

Coagulation

The process of water coagulation involves the introduction of a chemical (e.g., alum) that causes microscopic contaminants to “clump,” allowing them to be more easily filtered out of the water.

BPA removal:

A sort of coagulation process is used in the removal of Bisphenol A, or “BPA.” “Terrence Collins at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania and his colleagues set out to find a cheap way to remove BPA from water. After 15 years of work, the team came up with a solution: first, they add a group of catalysts called TAML activators to contaminated water, next they add hydrogen peroxide.

“The TAML activators work much like the enzymes in our bodies do, speeding up chemical reactions. In combination with the hydrogen peroxide, the TAML activators cause the BPA in pH-neutral water – the typical pH of wastewater – to assemble into larger clumps called oligomers within 30 minutes. These clumps aren’t harmful, and can be easily filtered out of the water.”[40] (On filtration, see below.)

Disinfection

“Disinfection” has several, possible meanings. Most generally, it simply refers to the counteraction of an “infection” – which, in this case, basically amount to the presence of some kind of microorganism (perhaps pathogenic) in the water supply. Now the “infection” of a water sample could be countered by removing the relevant microorganism. In this sense, purification methods such as filtration could be considered “disinfection” methods.

Chlorine

However, on most common usage of the word, what is in view is the deactivation or killing of a pathogen by chemical means. Under this definition, the primary method of disinfection at the municipal level is chlorination.

“Chlorination is the process of adding chlorine to drinking water to disinfect it and kill germs. Different processes can be used to achieve safe levels of chlorine in drinking water. Chlorine is available as compressed elemental gas, sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl) or solid calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)2. While the chemicals could be harmful in high doses, when they are added to water, they all mix in and spread out, resulting in low levels that kill germs but are still safe to drink.”[41]

Iodine

“Iodine has been shown to be more effect than chlorine-based treatments in inactivating Giardia cysts. Be aware that some people are allergic to iodine and cannot use it as a form of water purification. Persons with thyroid problems or on lithium, women over fifty, and pregnant women should consult their physician prior to using iodine for purification. Also, some people who are allergic to shellfish are also allergic to iodine. If someone cannot use iodine, use either a chlorine-based product or a non-iodine-based filter… Iodine is light sensitive and must always be stored in a dark bottle.”[42]

Flocculation

Coagulation is employed in conjunction with a process known as “flocculation.” In this process, the water is stirred in such a way as to prompt the smaller clumps to group together.

Sedimentation

In the sedimentation process, suspended particles basically “fall” in the water and come to rest at the bottom of the containing vessel where, in principal, they can be readily removed.

Letting Your Water ‘Sit’

Some people will pour a glass or pitcher of water and then it sit. The idea is to allow chlorine to “vent” – or “off gas” – out of the water. Online, I have seen various time recommendations. But a few that recur involve letting the water sit overnight or for 24 hours.

Whether this method is effective or not is unclear. And, in any case, it will probably only remove gaseous chlorine. You will still need a method to address other chemicals and pathogens, if they are issues in your area.

Filtration

Oftentimes, water can be “filtered.” This means that the water is made to pass through a porous piece of material – called the filter or filter element. The idea is that the pores in the material are small enough that fine particles are unable to pass through and are thus removed from the water sample.

This is probably the most widespread and accessible method for home water purification. (For our specific product suggestions, see below.)

Conclusion

While there is certainly nothing like a scientific consensus that Alzheimer’s Disease or any other form of dementia is caused by dirty, contaminated, or otherwise polluted drinking water, there are genuine concerns. Chemical and pathogenic biological materials find their ways into the water supply – and, often, our drinking cups. Some of these contaminants are suspected of having negative effects upon the human nervous system and brain. Others are known to cause inflammation of body tissues, or even are thought to be contributing causes to various cancers.

Thus, I would put my tentative conclusion like this. From a theoretical perspective, I don’t know whether to worry about my tap water putting me at risk of Alzheimer’s. But, from a practical point of view, that is because I have gotten into the habit of purifying my water before I drink it. I suggest that you think about doing the same thing.

I See the Problem! What’s the Solution?

There are a number things that you can do, today, to improve the quality of your water. One thing that I recommend is obtaining a good quality filter system and water-disinfecting tablets (as backups).

For Alzheimer’sProof’s recommended water-purification products, see HERE.

Notes

[1] Elizabeth Royte, “Tap Water’s Dirty Little Secret,” Huffington Post, Sept. 18, 2008, updated May 25, 2011, <https://www.huffingtonpost.com/elizabeth-royte/tap-waters-dirty-little-s_b_119590.html>.

[2] According to (my reading of) a post on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) website, many unregulated chemicals include fuel additives, herbicides, and pesticides such as: “1,2-diphenylhydrazine; 2,4,6-trichlorophenol; 2,4-dichlorophenol; 2,4-dinitrophenol; 2,4-dinitrotoluene; 2,6-dinitrotoluene; 2-methyl-phenol; 4,4′-DDE; Acetochlor; Aeromonas; DCPA di-acid degradate; DCPA mono-acid degradate; Diazinon; Disulfoton; Diuron; EPTC; Fonofos; Linuron; MTBE; Molinate; Nitrobenzene; Nitrobenzene; Perchlorate; Prometon; Terbacil; and Terbufos. And these are just the ones that the EPA required water facilities to monitor.

[3] Stevenson Swanson, “Aluminum in Tap Water Worries Experts,” Chicago Tribune, Dec. 10, 1989, <https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-12-10-8903160868-story.html>.

[4] Sandee LaMotte, “How to Test for Lead in Your Home Water Supply,” CNN, Feb. 10, 2016, <https://www.cnn.com/2016/01/21/health/lead-testing-home-drinking-water/index.html>.

[5] Karen Garvin, “Health Effects of Iron in Drinking Water, LiveStrong, Oct. 3, 2017, <https://www.livestrong.com/article/158629-health-effects-of-sulfur-in-water/>.

[6] “How Does Mercury Get Into My Drinking Water?” Ground Water and Drinking Water Fact Sheets, EPA, <https://safewater.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/212076067-5-How-does-mercury-get-into-my-drinking-water>.

[7] “Health Effects of Exposures to Mercury,” (EPA), Feb. 16, 2018, <https://www.epa.gov/mercury/health-effects-exposures-mercury>.

[8] Silver can have salubrious effects.

[9] Jeff Donn, Martha Mendoza, and Justin Pritchard, “Pharmawater I: Pharmaceuticals Found in Drinking Water, Affecting Wildlife and Maybe Humans,” Associated Press, <http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/pharmawater_site/day1_01.html>.

[10] Things Tested for by the EPA include: Microorganisms [Cryptosporidium; Giardia lamblia; Heterotrophic plate count HPC]; Legionella [Legionnaire’s Disease]; Coliforms [including fecal coliform and E. Coli]; Turbidity; Viruses [enteric]), Disinfection Byproducts (Bromate; Chlorite; Haloacetic acids [HAA5]; Trihalomethanes), Disinfectants (Chloramines [as Cl2]; Chlorine [as Cl2]; Chlorine dioxide [as ClO2]), Inorganic Chemicals (Antimony; Arsenic; Asbestos; Barium; Beryllium; Cadmium; Chromium; Copper; Cyanide [free]; Fluoride; Lead; Mercury [inorganic]; Nitrate; Nitrite; Selenium; Thallium), Organic Chemicals (Acrylamide; Alachlor; Atrazine; Benzene; Benzo[a]pyrene [PAHs]; Carbofuran; Carbon tetrachloride; Chlordane; Chlorobenzene; 2,4-D; Dalapon; 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane [DBCP]; o-Dichlorobenzene; p-Dichlorobenzene; 1,2-Dichloroethane; 1,1-Dichloroethylene; cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene; trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene; Dichloromethane; 1,2-Dichloropropane; Di[2-ethylhexyl] adipate; Di[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate; Dinoseb; Dioxin [2,3,7,8-TCDD]; Diquat; Endothall; Endrin; Epichlorohydrin; Ethylbenzene; Ethylene dibromide; Glyphosate; Heptachlor; Heptachlor epoxide; Hexachlorobenzene; Hexachlorocyclopentadiene; Lindane; Methoxychlor; Oxamyl [Vydate]; Polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs]; Pentachlorophenol; Picloram; Simazine; Styrene; Tetrachloroethylene; Toluene; Toxaphene; 2,4,5-TP [Silvex]; 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene; 1,1,1-Trichloroethane; 1,1,2-Trichloroethane   ; Trichloroethylene; Vinyl chloride; Xylenes), and Radionuclides (Alpha particles; Beta particles; photon emitters; Radium 226, Radium 228, Uranium). “National Primary Drinking Water Regulations,” Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mar. 22, 2018, <https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations>.

[11] Deborah Blum, “The Arsenic in Our Drinking Water,” New York Times, Sept. 20, 2013, <https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/the-arsenic-in-our-drinking-water/>.

[12] “Tapped Out?: Are Chlorine’s Beneficial Effects in Drinking Water Offset by Its Links to Cancer?” n.d., <https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-talks-tapped-out/>.

[13] “Tapped Out?: Are Chlorine’s Beneficial Effects in Drinking Water Offset by Its Links to Cancer?” n.d., <https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-talks-tapped-out/>.

[14] Michael Hiscock and Michael Pereira “Health Risk of the Trihalomethanes Found in Drinking Water Carcinogenic Activity and Interactions,” Medical College of Ohio in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Jan. 8, 2000; updated online Nov. 29, 2018 <https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.highlight/abstract/22>.

[15] Rachael Rettner, “Is There Radium in Your Tap Water? New Map Can Show You,” Live Science, Jan. 11, 2018, <https://www.livescience.com/61397-tap-water-radium.html>.

[16] “Radium in Drinking Water,” Illinois Department of Public Health, Jan. 2008, <http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/radium.htm>.

[17] Barbara Tasch, “6 Million U.S. Residents Are Drinking Uranium-Contaminated Water That Could Increase Risk of Liver Damage,” Business Insider, Aug. 18, 2015, <https://www.businessinsider.com/high-uranium-levels-of-drinking-water-in-the-central-us-2015-8>.

[18] To see a map of areas with tap water containing detectable levels of radium, click HERE.

[19] See a map, HERE.

[20] Barbara Tasch, “6 Million U.S. Residents Are Drinking Uranium-Contaminated Water That Could Increase Risk of Liver Damage,” Business Insider, Aug. 18, 2015, <https://www.businessinsider.com/high-uranium-levels-of-drinking-water-in-the-central-us-2015-8>. Nitrate also exacerbates the uranium problem (on which, see above), as it can render the compound water soluble. Ibid.

[21] “Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Tap Water: Illness Has Sickened Dozens in Colorado Town, Officials Say,” NBCNews.com, Mar. 20, 2008, <http://www.nbcnews.com/id/23726402/>.

[22] K. Botzenhart, “Viren im Trinkwasser” [“Viruses in Drinking Water”], Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz [“Federal Gazette for Health Research”], vol. 50, no. 3, Mar. 2007, pp. 296-301, German <https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00103-007-0155-4>, English: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17334891>.; and Aimee Gall, Benito Mariñas, Yi Lu, and Joanna Shisler, “Waterborne Viruses: A Barrier to Safe Drinking Water,” Pathogens, Public Library of Science (PLoS), vol. 11, no. 6, Jun. 25, 2015, <https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1004867>.

[23] See p. 33, <https://digitalrepository.aurorahealthcare.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1262&context=jpcrr>.

[24] The body gets rid of this virus in the urine. It can contaminate water in this way.

[25] The body also excretes this virus the urine. It can contaminate water in this way.

[26] “Cryptosporidium,” Minnesota Department of Health, Drinking Water Protection Section, n.d., <http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/factsheet/com/cryptosporidium.html>.

[27] Ben Guarino, “First Evidence Found of Popular Farm Pesticides in Drinking Water,” Washington Post, Apr. 5, 2017, <https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/04/05/iowa-scientists-find-first-evidence-of-popular-farm-pesticides-in-drinking-water/>.

[28] Elizabeth Royte, “Tap Water’s Dirty Little Secret,” Huffington Post, Sept. 18, 2008, updated May 25, 2011, <https://www.huffingtonpost.com/elizabeth-royte/tap-waters-dirty-little-s_b_119590.html>.

[29] “Tapped Out?: Are Chlorine’s Beneficial Effects in Drinking Water Offset by Its Links to Cancer?” n.d., <https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-talks-tapped-out/>. The author was talking about the health dangers of chlorine (on which, see above), and continued by noting that you may not avoid the dangers of chlorinated tap water by switching to bottled. “Much of the bottled water for sale in the U.S. comes from public municipal water sources that are often treated with, you guessed it, chlorine.”

[30] Ibid.

[31] Brent Bauer, “What Is BPA, and What Are the Concerns About BPA?” Mayo Clinic, Mar. 11, 2016, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331>.

[32] V. Santhia, N. Sakaiab, E. Ahmada, A. Mustafaa, “Occurrence of Bisphenol A in Surface Water, Drinking Water and Plasma from Malaysia with Exposure Assessment from Consumption of Drinking Water,” Science of The Total Environment, vols 427 & 428, Jun. 15, 2012, pp. 332-338, <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969712005736>. True, this study was conducted in Malaysia. Given this, some readers may worry that the results are inapplicable to people living in places – e.g., the E.U., U.S., Canada, U.K., etc. – where BPA is being “phased out.” However, number one, BPA’s “…replacements, like fluorene-9-bisphenol, might be just as harmful. …BPA replacements haven’t been adequately tested.” According to Aylin Woodward, “How to Strip 99 Per Cent of Harmful BPA From Water in 30 Minutes,” New Scientist, Aug. 2, 2017, <https://www.newscientist.com/article/2142662-how-to-strip-99-per-cent-of-harmful-bpa-from-water-in-30-minutes/>. Number two, BPA-containing bottles are still used in the U.S., etc. – even though their use is (supposedly) being phased out.

[33] Ibid.

[34] Aylin Woodward, “How to Strip 99 Per Cent of Harmful BPA From Water in 30 Minutes,” New Scientist, Aug. 2, 2017, <https://www.newscientist.com/article/2142662-how-to-strip-99-per-cent-of-harmful-bpa-from-water-in-30-minutes/>.

[35] V. Santhia, N. Sakaiab, E. Ahmada, A. Mustafaa, “Occurrence of Bisphenol A in Surface Water, Drinking Water and Plasma from Malaysia with Exposure Assessment from Consumption of Drinking Water,” Science of The Total Environment, vols 427 & 428, Jun. 15, 2012, pp. 332-338, <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969712005736>.

[36] “Bacteria in Tap Water Can Be Traced to the Water Treatment Process,” Phys.org, University of Michigan, Aug. 20, 2012, <https://phys.org/news/2012-08-bacteria-treatment.html>.

[37] See, e.g., Tara C. Smith, “‘Raw Water’ Isn’t Better for You—but It Could Definitely Hurt You,” Self, Jan. 11, 2018, <https://www.self.com/story/raw-water-isnt-better-for-youbut-it-could-definitely-hurt-you>.

[38] See Dennis Baumgardner, “Freshwater Fungal Infections,” article 5, Journal of Patient-Centered

Research and Reviews, vol. 4, no. 1, Jan. 31, 2017, p. 33, <https://digitalrepository.aurorahealthcare.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1262&context=jpcrr>.

[39] Rick Curtis, The Backpacker’s Field Manual, New York: Random House, 1998; online as “OA Guide to Water Purification,” Princeton Univ., n.d., <http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/water.shtml>.

[40] Aylin Woodward, “How to Strip 99 Per Cent of Harmful BPA From Water in 30 Minutes,” New Scientist, Aug. 2, 2017, <https://www.newscientist.com/article/2142662-how-to-strip-99-per-cent-of-harmful-bpa-from-water-in-30-minutes/>.

[41] “Disinfection with Chlorine,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jun. 22, 2015, <https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/chlorine-disinfection.html>.

[42] Rick Curtis, The Backpacker’s Field Manual, New York: Random House, 1998; online as “OA Guide to Water Purification,” Princeton Univ., n.d., <http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/water.shtml>.

The post Can Contaminated/Dirty Tap Water Cause Alzheimer’s Disease? appeared first on Alzheimer's Proof.

Part Five: Indoors and Outdoors

Five-Part Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s Proofing Your House

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Alzheimer’sProofing Indoors

Attics / Basements / Garages / Sheds / Storage Lockers

Attics, basements, garages, sheds, storage lockers are especially dangerous because, in general, they are repositories for chemicals, machinery, tools, and other items that often require special safe-handling protocols. If you permit your Alzheimer’s-afflicted loved one to enter these areas, it should be only under your careful supervision. Moreover, all of AlzheimersProof’s general safety tips are applicable. To be specific, you need to ensure that walking paths are clutter-free, the accessible areas are appropriately lit, and that dangerous items are beyond your loved one’s reach.

Attic fans. See Fans.

Bicycles. Bicycles should be secured – preferably out of sight. A stationary bike might be a good way for the Alzheimer’s-afflicted individual to exercise, but it must be used only under careful supervision. Regular bicycles are likely to prompt your loved one to leave the premises.

Fans. Fans should be secured. As mentioned for other items, I favor electrical-plug locks that prevent appliances from being plugged into outlets. However, if the fan is functional (or hardwired – as are attic, or whole-house, fans) then access to it must be restricted. At the least, the fan blades need to be inaccessible so that they cannot be touched or bumped into (whether accidentally or on purpose).

House fans. See Fans.

Lawnmowers. Lawnmowers and other lawncare equipment – such as edgers (“weed eaters”), hoes, pickaxes, post-hole diggers, rakes, shears, shovels, spades, etc. – should be placed out of reach. Additionally, mowers (and other machines with engines) should be properly stored. This might involve having to drain them of fuel (e.g., gasoline) and oil. When in doubt, call in a lawn-and-garden specialist or handyman.

Locks, garage. The garage needs to be locked. Actually, it should be secured in several ways. Firstly, if there is an access door from the house, this should be locked with a double-keyed deadbolt. Secondly, I recommend installing a Guardian latch high up on the door for additional security. Thirdly, the motorized garage door should be restricted. You may need to confiscate and control access to remote controls. Additionally, it may be necessary to recode or replace them if confiscation is not an option. Consider purchasing a “dummy” opener to give to your loved one, so that your loved one will not continue to look for the operational remote.

Paints. Enamels, latexes, and oil-based liquid paints should either be properly discarded or else locked securely in cabinets. The same goes for aerosol spray paints except, in this case, there is an additional and more pronounced danger of fire or explosion. Paints must be stored according to manufacturers’ warnings about temperature and pressure.

Sporting equipment. Keep sporting goods locked away. Baseballs and bats, gold clubs, and the like should be put away. In the first place, these items could be used – whether innocently or not – to cause damage indoors. In the second place, they can give rise to desires to “elope.” For instance, my dad would look at his golf clubs and then try to leave the house to get to a golf course. It’s good to give Alzheimer’s sufferers physical activities to do. However, these need to be carefully arranged and scheduled and should not involve pieces of equipment that might put the patient or others at risk.

Tools, garage. Restrict access to electrical tools and hand tools. Locking tool boxes and storage chests are available from hardware and home-improvement stores.

Weight equipment. This equipment needs to be gotten rid of or else kept well out of reach. Like other Sporting equipment, barbells, dumbbells, free weights, and other weight equipment can be dangerous for a person with dementia. Number one, safe-lifting practices may be neglected. Number two, the individual may no longer have any clear idea of his or her own strengths (or weaknesses).

Whole-house fans. See Fans.

RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.

Bathrooms

SEE PART FOUR: KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS

RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.

Bedrooms

Assist bars. Remember that one of the “Activities of Daily Living” is being able to transfer (e.g., in and out of bed) by oneself. If this is getting to be difficult, you can place “assist” bars or rails next to the bed. These devices provide the afflicted person with something to grab onto for greater leverage.

Baby monitors. This is highly effective for keeping track of a napping or sleeping dementia patient. It can also be used in other rooms of the house, and for other occasions.

Bed monitors. This pressure-sensitive device can be placed under the mattress. It will alert you whenever a person’s bodyweight is removed.

Bed rails. If your loved one frequently falls out of bed, install bed rails along the sides. Mats or pillows can also be placed on the floor. However, if left in place, these can create a tripping hazard.

Fans. Some people like fans to sleep. However, as electrical appliance, a fan is not without danger. For one thing, you need to make sure the cover is secure so that fingers and objects cannot come into contact with the blades. For another thing, you want to see that the fan is placed somewhere well clear or any water (especially if your loved one likes to sleep with a glass of water on the night table).

Furniture. Ensure that furniture is “anchored” so that it cannot be knocked or tipped over easily. Heavy furniture can cause severe injury or death if it falls on a person.

Lighting, bedroom. Install a low-light detecting nightlight.

Medicines. See Specific Tips for middle-stage Alzheimer’s: Pharmaceuticals.

Prescriptions. See Specific Tips for middle-stage Alzheimer’s: Pharmaceuticals.

Rugs, bedroom. As previously discussed, and just like in other applications, rugs should be removed from the bedroom floor, or tacked down. Properly installed carpeting is superior, since it is less likely to bunch up, slide, or otherwise contribute to a person tripping.

Space heaters. These are dangerous since they must be placed correctly, operated carefully, and switched off while not being monitored. A space heater constitutes a burn and fire hazard. Similar warnings extend to things like electric blankets and heating pads. Central heating and cooling – properly controlled – is a better option.

RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.

Entrances & Miscellaneous

Chair lifts. Install as needed, if affordable. Also called “stair lifts,” these are basically chairs that run on motorized rails and can transport physically impaired individuals up and down staircases without their having to walk.

Mats. Nonslip mats can be placed in on hardwood or linoleum entry areas in order to minimize the danger of slipping. However, as with rugs, mats can slide. Ensure that mats are stable (e.g., glued, tacked, or otherwise secured affixed to the floor) before relying upon them.

Stair lifts. See Chair lifts.

RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.

Kitchens

SEE PART FOUR: KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS

RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.

Laundry Rooms

Bleach. Exposure to bleach (sodium hypochlorite) mainly causes irritation. This can occur in the eyes or skin through topical contact, in the eyes or lungs from inhalation of bleach fumes, or in the mouth or digestive system from ingestion. Keep bleach locked in a cabinet or otherwise secured.

Detergents. See Laundry Room: Laundry detergents.

Laundry detergents. As you did with Bleach, keep all detergents under lock and key. In June of 2017, in an article titled “Laundry Pods Can Be Fatal for Adults With Dementia,” NBC News reported that, “…according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission …six adults with cognitive impairment died over the past five years as a result of ingesting the pods.”[1]

Locks. Because of the many hazards, the laundry-room door should be kept locked. Note: If a forced-air furnace is located in the laundry area, then the door needs to be outfitted with a vent, to allow for the free movement of air into the room.

Clothes Dryers. See Laundry: Dryer, clothes.

Dryers, clothes. Secure the door with childproof latches. Place childproof knob covers over the controls.

Washing machines. Securely latch the door or lid with childproof locks. Use childproof knob covers to restrict access to the control dials.

RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.

Living Rooms

Bookshelves. Be sure that shelving is anchored to the wall so that it cannot easily topple over if it is bumped, climbed on, pulled, or otherwise mishandled.

Decals. To prevent facial and other injuries, mark glass panes on doors and windows with decals or stickers.

Electrical cords. Ensure that electrical cords are not damaged or frayed and be sure that the plugs are securely plugged into outlets to prevent sparking. See also General Safety Items: Extension cords and Seniors: Trip Hazards.

Fireplaces. For obvious safety reasons, it’s probably best to close up and secure the fireplace. At the least, however, an Alzheimer’s-afflicted person should never be left unattended with fires, fire pokers, lighters, matches, or the like of those.

Rugs. Remove scatter rugs or throw rugs. Repair or replace torn carpet. See also General Safety Items: Tripping hazards and Bedroom: Rugs.

Shelving. See Bookshelves.

Televisions. Be sure that flat screens, tube television sets, etc. are firmly secured and are incapable of being pulled or knocked over. Falling TVs can cause severe injury or death. See also Bedroom: Furniture.

RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.

Alzheimer’s-Proofing Outdoors

BBQ equipment. Barbecue grills (whether charcoal or gas), fire pits, smokers, and other backyard accessories pose obvious fire risks in the best of times. If one factors in cognitive impairments, things could go from bad to worse in a hurry. Be sure that briquets, fire starters, matches, and the like are under lock and key. Additionally, ensure that gas cans are inaccessible. My dad once tried to scour a floor using sugar granules because I had restricted the chemical cleansers. It’s not outside the realm of the imaginable that an Alzheimer’s-afflicted person might try to start a fire using liquid hydrocarbons like gasoline, kerosene, and so forth.

Fencing. It is important to have definite boundaries around the perimeter of the patient’s “safe space.” An outdoor area can be calming and therapeutic, but it must also be bounded so as not to invite “elopement” (i.e., your loved one’s disappearing from or leaving your home or care area).

Hot tubs. See Pools.

Lighting, exterior. Make sure outside lighting is adequate. Motion sensors can switch on lights when a something moves through their fields. Mercury-vapor or sodium lamps are capable of lighting larger areas. Be sure to avoid irritating neighbors with badly placed fixtures. Keep the steps sufficiently lit to avoid falling at night. Additionally, you might want to light the perimeter of the driveway or walkway, to help guide reentry into the house.

Locks, outdoors. As has been stated elsewhere, entry/exit points need to be carefully controlled. Backyards can lead to “elopement” (or unauthorized departure from the care area), especially if they are unfenced. See Fencing.

Pools. Remove hot tubs, home spas, and swimming pools – or at least restrict access to them using sturdy covers and locking gates. As always, there is no replacement for careful supervision.

Ramps. At some point, it may be necessary to replace traditional steps with a wheelchair-accessible ramp. This should be professionally done. Plywood haphazardly placed on top on two-by-fours might collapse under the weight of a wheelchair, or otherwise pose the risk of serious injury to anyone who ventures on top of it.

Signage. Displaying some sort of alarm system or security signage can deter would-be thieves who may try to prey on the elderly or infirm. To further reduce the danger of the senior being “scammed,” hang a “No Soliciting” sign in a visible place at the main entry.

Spas. See Pools.

Steps. Maintain staircases and steps to prevent concrete deterioration or anything that might cause the surfaces to become falling or tripping hazards. In inclement weather, be sure that surfaces are properly treated with de-icer or salt compounds to prevent slipping and injury

Walking surfaces. Get rid of any items that might present falling or tripping hazards. Eliminate uneven surfaces or walkways, hoses, and other objects that may cause a person to trip. This may mean having to repair cracked or “heaving” concrete.

RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.

How to Pay for Care Home Modifications

I have discussed long-term care in a separate post. Titled “Alzheimer’s-Proof Your Retirement Savings With Long-Term Care Insurance,” the article chronicles my own family’s financial struggle to get my dad nursing-home assistance. In that article, I point out that there are really only three ways to pay for long-term care.

Three (3) Ways That Anyone Can Pay for Long-Term Care

1. Private pay
2. Out of your own assets
3. Out of your own income
4. Spend your assets down and qualify for Medicaid
5. File a claim with your long-term care insurance

Now, of course, in order to be able to file a claim with long-term care insurance, you have to actually have a long-term care insurance policy in force. Since you will never be approved for such a policy if you wait until you have Alzheimer’s Disease (or some other form of dementia), if you are interested in protecting your retirement (and other assets) for your family/spouse, then you need to apply for long-term care insurance before you have any signs of cognitive impairment.

When it comes to paying for home modifications, the options dwindle down to two. As the website Caring.com explains: “Like Medicare, Medicaid doesn’t cover physical modifications to the home.”[2]

Two (2) Ways That Anyone Can Pay for Home Modifications[3]

1. Private pay
2. Long-term care insurance

Most people will therefore have to pay for their own home modifications, regardless of who they have perform the work. However, for those who have the right sort of long-term care insurance, some money might be available to subsidize various house alterations.

You have to check your contract or contact your insurance agent to discover whether these benefits are available to you and what limitations or restrictions, if any, may be placed upon them. For instance, some contracts might limit you to obtaining modifications of certain types, or from certain contractors, etc. And there may be maximums to the dollar amounts that insurance companies are willing to pay for such work.

Generally speaking, you may need to seek preapproval for any prospective, home-modification project.

But, here are a few sorts of installations/modifications that you might expect to receive approval – for those policies that offer these types of benefits.

• Addition of “knee holes” (to accommodate wheelchairs) in bathrooms, kitchens, studies, and work areas
• Installation of chair/stair “lifts” to enable people to traverse house levels without having to walk up stairs
• Mounting of grab bars and handrails
• Placement of wheelchair ramps over entryway steps
• Replacement of conventional bathtubs/showers with walk-in varieties
• Widening of doorways for wheelchair access

For More Information

See the following articles.

“How Do You Alzheimer’s Proof a Car?”

What do we mean by “Alzheimer’s Proofing?” see HERE.

What’s the Difference between Alzheimer’s Proofing and Baby Proofing or Childproofing? See HERE.

RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.

Notes:

[1] Ben Popken, “Laundry Pods Can Be Fatal for Adults With Dementia,” NBC News, Jun. 16, 2017, <https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/laundry-pods-can-be-fatal-adults-dementia-n773366>.

[2] Joseph Matthews, “FAQ: What Kinds of Home Equipment and Modifications Are Covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or the VA?” Caring.com, Apr. 9, 2018, <>. The author adds, however: “However, some state Medicaid programs have special pilot programs that can help with home modifications. If you need home modification, check with the Medicaid worker who handles your file and ask if there might be special coverage that can help you,” ibid.

[3] Veterans have certain grants that they can apply for through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the Veterans Administration), usually designated the “V.A.” See Matthews, loc. cit.

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