theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 33 ike so many diseases or conditions, dementia treatments are evolving. Living in south Florida, we interface with countless people who are either experiencing the decline of acuity or caregiving a loved one. Early recognition is, of course, critical to taking advantage of preventative options, and it is now considered more important than ever to live a healthy lifestyle. This appears to be one of the best weapons. My darling father-in-law died at 91 years old of Alzheimer’s Disease in February 2013, and losing the man we knew and loved long before he died was terribly painful. Recently, however, we lost a lifelong friend who was only in his mid-seventies and had suffered the most horrific decline for over ten years. We were shocked when we began to notice changes when he was in his sixties. How could that be? His diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and Alzheimer’s Disease dealt a blow to all of us who knew and loved this brilliant athlete and remarkable human being. If there was nothing to add to this story, I would not be writing this column. But there is much to encourage us, and that is what I wish to highlight. Granted, I would love to shout from the rooftops that there is a medical cure for Alzheimer’s Disease and all degenerative neurological disorders. Sadly, I cannot do that. But I can tell you that there are countless studies, trials and reports that are surfacing, and as a fervent fundraiser for Alzheimer’s research, I do believe that day is coming. What I can share with you, on good authority, is that there is a link to staving off many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. That link is with healthy lifestyle habits. Although this will not come as a shock, it is clearly a statement to take seriously. Eating clean foods 80% of the time, exercising regularly, doing puzzles or other acuity challenges, reducing stressors on the body and mind all add up to making a great difference in mental decline. Perhaps a step beyond “use it or lose it”, filling our minds and bodies with good common sense approaches can prove invaluable. At a rally for a recent Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser, our community hosted a remarkable couple as our keynote speakers. Only in their early seventies, Dave and Claire are experiencing firsthand the effects of the disease. Dave has been suffering for the past three years and has given credence to the philosophy that to control the disease is a multi-pronged approach. He and Claire are living a very clean and healthy lifestyle; in addition to daily workouts both physically and mentally, he is taking advantage of the newest combination of meds available, and he is sharing his journey with all who are interested…and there are many of us! We were grateful for the opportunity to see an optimistic couple who have embraced their future with hope, support, love and commitment to travel the road together, wherever it leads. SENIOR CORNER Honoring Memory, Advancing Care By Ellyn Mantell L Early recognition is, of course, critical to taking advantage of preventative options, and it is now considered more important than ever to live a healthy lifestyle. Atlantic Adult Day Center Take a tour, meet our team, and learn more about our social adult day program model. We offer a warm, supervised environment for older adults to enjoy a meaningful day filled with activity and socialization. Through a structured schedule and customized programming, the social, cognitive, and personal care needs of our members are met. In addition to providing activity and companionship, the center offers an economical alternative to daily in-home care. Atlantic Visiting Nurse Open Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Contact Information: 200 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Tel: 908-766-2310 | Fax: 908-766-0716
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