Kathy J. Ward explains to the audience (elders and caregivers) how the brain works.

"I understood everything you explained about the brain.
Excellent attendance and participation from the community."



"Thank you for valuable information, I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's five months ago,
after hearing you speaking today I feel that I have HOPE,
and that there are ways I can practice to get better.

A simple plan for everyone to influence in a positive and better way the care and maintenance of the brain:

Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells.

How social inclusion and social relations affects positively the physical body and health.

Physical exercise is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells. It also can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, and thereby protect against those risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Better nutrition for a better health. Research suggests that high cholesterol may contribute to stroke and brain cell damage. A low fat, low cholesterol diet is advisable. And there is growing evidence that a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidants, may help protect brain cells.

How creativity, music, art, color, poetry, and other forms of creative expression are essential for a better brain. Keeping your brain active and engaged increases its vitality and builds reserves "neuroplasticity" of brain cells and connections.

Biology of Alzheimer's Disease

Scientist believe that whatever triggers Alzheimer’s disease begins to damage the brain years before symptoms appear. When symptoms emerge, nerve cells that process, store and retrieve information have already begun to degenerate and die.

Scientists regard two abnormal microscopic structures called "plaques" and "tangles" as Alzheimer hallmarks. Amyloid plaques (AM-uh-loyd plaks) are clumps of protein that accumulate outside the brain’s nerve cells. Tangles are twisted strands of another protein that form inside cells. Scientists do not yet know whether plaques or tangles cause Alzheimer’s or are a byproduct of some other process.

Questions from the audience.

1. Is memory loss a natural part of aging? NO. In the past people believed memory loss was a normal part of aging, often regarding even Alzheimer’s as natural age-related decline. Experts now recognize severe memory loss as a symptom of serious illness.

2. Is Alzheimer's disease a fatal illness? Alzheimer's is a fatal disease. It begins with the destruction of cells in regions of the brain that are important for memory. However, the eventual loss of cells in other regions of the brain leads to the failure of other essential systems in the body. Also, because many people with Alzheimer’s have other illnesses common in older age, the actual cause of death may be no single factor

3. Is Alzheimer's disease contagious? Alzheimer's disease is not contagious and poses no risk to others.

4. How can I explain Alzheimer's to my grandson? When your child asks questions, respond with simple, honest answers. Explain that Alzheimer's is a disease. Just as children get colds and tummy aches, older adults may get an illness that causes them to act differently and to forget things. If the person with Alzheimer's disease no longer recognizes your child, he or she may feel rejected. Remind your child that the disease makes it hard for your loved one to remember things — but your child is still an important part of the person's life.

5. When a person with Alzheimer's should stop driving?

Because Alzheimer's diminishes reasoning skills, it often is up to caregivers to determine when their loved ones become unsafe behind the wheel. Some aspects of a person's day-to-day behavior can indicate whether he or she has lost the skills needed to drive safely. These include difficulties in:

• Coordination
• Judging distance and space
• Engaging in multiple tasks
• Staying alert to what's happening nearby
• Making decisions and solving problems

* * * * *
"THE CONCEPT OF TOTAL WELLNESS RECOGNIZES THAT
OUR EVERY THOUGHT, WORDS, AND BEHAVIORS
AFFECTS OUR GREATER HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.

AND WE, IN TURN, ARE AFFECTED NOT ONLY EMOTIONALLY BUT ALSO PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.

LET'S BETTER OUR WORDS

LET'S BETTER OUR THOUGHTS

LET'S BETTER OUR BEHAVIORS

FOR A BETTER HEALTH AND TOTAL WELLNESS"

KATHY J. WARD
Universla PEACE Ambassador