Exercise Staves off Alzheimer's
You may wonder why I link mountain climbing with Alzheimer’s. My simple answer is that a healthy body = a healthy mind. You don’t have to climb Mt. Everest, a short amount of daily exercise will do the trick.
A new study from the famed Mayo Clinic proves the point:
Those who said they did moderate exercise — such as swimming, brisk walking, yoga, aerobics or strength training — during midlife were 39% less likely to have mild cognitive impairment, while those who did moderate exercise later in life were 32% less likely to have the condition.
The Mayo team said exercise may guard against mild cognitive impairment through production of nerve-protecting compounds, increased blood flow to the brain, improved development and survival of neurons, and decreased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases.
The second study included 33 adults, average age 70, with mild cognitive impairment. Some were randomly assigned to do high-intensity aerobics for 45 to 60 minutes a day, four days a week. Others were put in a control group that had the same workout schedule, but did stretching exercises and kept their heart rate low. Continue reading »
“I think something is wrong with Mom.” I said quietly to my wife. And with that Christmas observation in 2000, the future was cast.
Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia are crucial for taking care of parents, relatives and friends. And since we often only see them during the holidays, early November is a good time to review the signs.
I lived across the country and sometimes across oceans from my parents as they aged thus missing some obvious signs. But during a Christmas visit in 2000, I noticed my mother not being herself.
Once meticulous about her dress, taking care of the house and organizing events – she was blasé about all this – a dramatic change.
During drives around town she would ask over and over “Now, where are we going?” Something she never had done in the past. She was our families’ memory keeper yet now couldn’t remember her brother’s and sister’s names.
However, she was still herself. She laughed easily, made small talk, answered direct questions and carried on genuine conversations. When she got stuck, her husband – my dad – of over 50 years would quickly bail her out – and we noticed.
The Alzheimer’s Association has ten warning signs everyone should be aware of during these important holiday visits.
Alzheimer's 10 signs
Have you noticed any of these warning signs?
This is an incredibly powerful short video. From the Alzheimer’s Association site about the video:
“My Name is Lisa” is powerful fictional film that depicts a 13-year-old girl struggling with her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease. It won best short film on YouTube in 2007, drawing the attention of millions. We hope it changes the way you think about Alzheimer’s and those who are affected.
A wonderfully inspirational story- Meb Keflezighi wins the NY Marathon
Tough season on Pumori-no summits from Peak Freak in spite of a leading great effort and the Hanesbrand test team . Success on Ama Dablam: IMG with no drama
The Alzheimer’s Association site is now in Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
Interesting analysis of Colorado’s recent huge snow storm, impact on climbing conditions in RMNP
6 Early avalanches in the Colorado high country
Found in Antarctica: two cases MacKinlay’s Scotch Whisky from 1908 Ernest Shackleton’s South Pole team
United Airline’s last 737 flight
Diamox – The Altitude Wonder Drug? continue reading
Some very encouraging news was recently announced that scientist identified new genes that are associated with late stage Alzheimer’s. While other researchers have identified over 70 genes thus far (see link), this helps the understanding of the disease and will help all researchers.
This from the National Institute of Health:
In the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) reported to date involving Alzheimer’s disease, scientists have identified two new possible genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer’s, the most common form of the disease. The study, which pooled DNA samples from a number of European and U.S. groups, not only associated variations in the continue reading
Ida Arnette passed away from Alzheimer’s disease on August 16, 2009. She struggled for over 8 years and was under hospice care at the end. We celebrated her life with friends and family this past weekend.
While it was expected, it is both a time of deep sadness for us and relief for her. She had lost her identity and independence towards the end.
I am pleased to announce new partners for Memories are Everything: The 7 Summits where we are raising $1M for Alzheimer’s care support and research in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.
International Mountain Guides (IMG) will lead the climbs and Outside Online will report on the climbs thus increasing the awareness and opportunity for fund raising.
The first climb will be on the highest mountain in South America, Aconcagua at 22,841 feet or 6962 meters from January 31 to February 21, 2010. Please continue reading for the details or visit this link for complete details.
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As summer moves on, I wanted to provide a brief update about Memories are Everything: The 7 Summits for Alzheimer’s. After working for almost a year to launch the journey, we are getting there but still have some significant milestones remaining. First the progress.
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As spring touches many parts of the northern hemisphere it is still winter here in Colorado albeit with 70 degree highs this week! But one thing is constant around the globe: Everest climbers are already in Kathmandu for the 2009 spring season. As has become my tradition, I am covering all the action on my site. I also want to update you on my Big Project I mentioned in the previous update.
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I hope you are having a wonderful summer. I am all recovered and settled in after returning from Everest in late May. I have a few updates to pass on for the website as well as some news on Alzheimer’s research and a great PBS show to air in August.
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