Those with a gloomy outlook more likely for Alzheimers
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Trebor English
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From the article: "Repeatedly thinking negative thoughts may lead to a build-up of harmful deposits on the brain." Could it be the other way around? Do brain deposits contribute to negative thoughts?
I have observed people suffer from cognitive decline followed by anger and depression.
Since the brain deposits are diagnosed at autopsy it may be hard to get volunteers for the clinical trials.
I have observed people suffer from cognitive decline followed by anger and depression.
Since the brain deposits are diagnosed at autopsy it may be hard to get volunteers for the clinical trials.
crofter
Well-known member
Which came first? There is some medical evidence re the impact of negative emotions on health. Leads to chronic stress.Trebor English said:
-crofter
Description: UMN article
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-do-thoughts-and-emotions-affect-health
OK but lets take a look at what depression does to you and what things help reduce the chances of getting Alzheimers.
Depressed people tend not to do good self help care. Meaning they don't often eat healthy because they don't feel like doing food preparation or even going shopping for the kinds of foods they ought to be eating. Atypical depression can be linked to overeating and the other type of common depression is linked to not wanting to eat.
Depressed people often have sleep issue and not getting enough sleep stresses the body.
The don't get enough exercise because they lack the will power and the energy to exercise. It is also know that exercise can significantly reduce depression.
Depressed people don't really want to do much of anything including social activities which tend to be stimulating to the brain and the body. It is known that brain stimulating activity helps to prevent Alzheimers.
So of course there is a link between depression and Alzheimers because the depression is inhibiting the activities that people who are not depressed would normally be more inclined to do on a regular basis. They are not doing the normal everyday things that help reduce the chances of getting that disease.
Depressed people tend not to do good self help care. Meaning they don't often eat healthy because they don't feel like doing food preparation or even going shopping for the kinds of foods they ought to be eating. Atypical depression can be linked to overeating and the other type of common depression is linked to not wanting to eat.
Depressed people often have sleep issue and not getting enough sleep stresses the body.
The don't get enough exercise because they lack the will power and the energy to exercise. It is also know that exercise can significantly reduce depression.
Depressed people don't really want to do much of anything including social activities which tend to be stimulating to the brain and the body. It is known that brain stimulating activity helps to prevent Alzheimers.
So of course there is a link between depression and Alzheimers because the depression is inhibiting the activities that people who are not depressed would normally be more inclined to do on a regular basis. They are not doing the normal everyday things that help reduce the chances of getting that disease.
Actually I took myself to Keck USC and was tested by the chairperson of the Memory Department who is also a professor and researcher and one of the world’s experts on dementia and memory and he told me something fascinating.
He said that dementia is a disease of aging. It is not bad luck or anything we cause (except certain things like lifelong alcoholism etc) Yes it can be genetic. But we can’t control or stop it. He said researchers are studying those elderly who DON’T get it because it comes with age. So I can study all the languages I want (Which I’ve done since age 12) and do all the puzzles and I’m still losing words (there’s a form of dementia that begins with aphasia and I would need a neuropsychologist to test me)
So much misinformation out there. Many brilliant active people have gotten dementia.
He said that dementia is a disease of aging. It is not bad luck or anything we cause (except certain things like lifelong alcoholism etc) Yes it can be genetic. But we can’t control or stop it. He said researchers are studying those elderly who DON’T get it because it comes with age. So I can study all the languages I want (Which I’ve done since age 12) and do all the puzzles and I’m still losing words (there’s a form of dementia that begins with aphasia and I would need a neuropsychologist to test me)
So much misinformation out there. Many brilliant active people have gotten dementia.
There is typically some memory issues that are associated with age. But having those issues does not mean you have dementia or Alzheimers. So don't get super anxious about it. Just do more reading about this subject and use some of the recommendations to limit those improve "senior moments". This article explains that and also discusses the warning signs for the dementia and Alzheimers. My father developed dementia, he had diabetes and overused insulin because sometimes his diet had too much sugar in it. That developed plaque in his arteries in his brain.
Here is the link to such and article and below it an excerpt from the article I fall in the category of normal forgetfulness especially on days when my blood pressure drops as sometimes happens during hot weather.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia-aging/age-related-memory-loss.htm
"Normal forgetfulness vs. dementia
For most people, occasional lapses in memory are a normal part of the aging process, not a warning sign of serious mental deterioration or the onset of dementia. The following types of memory lapses are normal among older adults and generally are not considered warning signs of dementia:
Occasionally forgetting where you left things you use regularly, such as glasses or keys.
Forgetting names of acquaintances or blocking one memory with a similar one, such as calling a grandson by your son’s name.
Occasionally forgetting an appointment or walking into a room and forgetting why you entered.
Becoming easily distracted or having trouble remembering what you’ve just read, or the details of a conversation.
Not quite being able to retrieve information you have “on the tip of your tongue.”
Does your memory loss affect your ability to function?
The primary difference between age-related memory loss and dementia is that the former isn’t disabling. The memory lapses have little impact on your daily performance and ability to do what you want to do. Dementia, on the other hand, is marked by a persistent, disabling decline in two or more intellectual abilities such as memory, language, judgment, and abstract thinking.
When memory loss becomes so pervasive and severe that it disrupts your work, hobbies, social activities, and family relationships, you may be experiencing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, or another disorder that causes dementia, or a condition that mimics dementia
Here is the link to such and article and below it an excerpt from the article I fall in the category of normal forgetfulness especially on days when my blood pressure drops as sometimes happens during hot weather.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia-aging/age-related-memory-loss.htm
"Normal forgetfulness vs. dementia
For most people, occasional lapses in memory are a normal part of the aging process, not a warning sign of serious mental deterioration or the onset of dementia. The following types of memory lapses are normal among older adults and generally are not considered warning signs of dementia:
Occasionally forgetting where you left things you use regularly, such as glasses or keys.
Forgetting names of acquaintances or blocking one memory with a similar one, such as calling a grandson by your son’s name.
Occasionally forgetting an appointment or walking into a room and forgetting why you entered.
Becoming easily distracted or having trouble remembering what you’ve just read, or the details of a conversation.
Not quite being able to retrieve information you have “on the tip of your tongue.”
Does your memory loss affect your ability to function?
The primary difference between age-related memory loss and dementia is that the former isn’t disabling. The memory lapses have little impact on your daily performance and ability to do what you want to do. Dementia, on the other hand, is marked by a persistent, disabling decline in two or more intellectual abilities such as memory, language, judgment, and abstract thinking.
When memory loss becomes so pervasive and severe that it disrupts your work, hobbies, social activities, and family relationships, you may be experiencing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, or another disorder that causes dementia, or a condition that mimics dementia
