Jane, reading this post and your article gave me both hope and chills. It’s so easy to slip into the habits that increase our risk of dementia. Thank you. Amazing research and work.
Thank you for the link to your excellent article ‘Will I get dementia”. While I agree with you that dementia is a terrifying thought, some of these diseases occur because we live longer. I don’t know the data, but while there are tragic cases of early onset dementia, if dementia is the leading cause of death for Australian women, is it a reflection that we are not dying in childbirth and living longer? Certainly that is the case with cancer.
My father-in-law had Lewy Bodies Dementia, and a sense of humour is essential to being able to cope with dementia.
Thank you for writing this. I will get the books you picture ( have some already) and read your long read after this. I’m afraid I’m probably doomed to get dementia (both parents have it, plus an uncle on Dad’s side and an aunt on Mom’s side, & I have a couple degenerative autoimmune diseases plus T2 diabetes [controlled])and as I have no spouse or kids I’m trying to plan for an aging future with appropriate care. It’s stressful and scary. I’m also learning mindfulness to try to deal with chronic pain and maybe retain the ability to appreciate the small joys and comforts of a day as my mind disappears. (And my stomach twists as I type that. Sigh. I’m trying.)
Hi Jo, I understand your stress. Being very active in body and mind is, I think, the key. Staying ahead of your conditions, not ‘letting life take its course’ as a few have said to me. I hope you can get on top of the chronic pain as I’m sure it affects movement. I’m sure you have this challenge in your sights!
Hi Jane, Thankyou for your writings on this subject. Dementia terrifies me. My sister in laws sister has just passed away from dementia, she was only 63, and had been in a nursing home for ten years. Her first symptom was the inability to sleep and she would walk for miles and miles in the early hours of the morning. My other friend has just been diagnosed and has had her licence revoked she is only 62. A very sad disease and so much to know.
Those stories are heart-breaking Ann and there are many, but there is evidence for the hopeful path. We need to make ourselves more aware not more fearful. I’m sure you are doing this. 🤗
My dad had Lewy Bodies Dementia yet between the mood swings, hallucinations and forgetfulness, there was good times and humour.
They went from scary (dad driving the car around the Seven Hills shopping centre while I was trying to buy some wine for him. He told me he could drive but I told him he was not licenced to drive), to amazement (being a genetoligy trained nurse, he would give dementia and Parkinson's lectures that the Director of Nursing would encourage the staff to attend).
He was also a keen ukulele player and the Blue Mountains Ukelele Club proved to be a great afternoon for him to play music with others. The ability to play was not important (there are things that any skill level can play and still add to the sound of the concerts).
Jane, reading this post and your article gave me both hope and chills. It’s so easy to slip into the habits that increase our risk of dementia. Thank you. Amazing research and work.
Thanks so much Marci - just do what you can to push back. I’m sure you are already doing this.
Thank you for the link to your excellent article ‘Will I get dementia”. While I agree with you that dementia is a terrifying thought, some of these diseases occur because we live longer. I don’t know the data, but while there are tragic cases of early onset dementia, if dementia is the leading cause of death for Australian women, is it a reflection that we are not dying in childbirth and living longer? Certainly that is the case with cancer.
My father-in-law had Lewy Bodies Dementia, and a sense of humour is essential to being able to cope with dementia.
Thank you for writing this. I will get the books you picture ( have some already) and read your long read after this. I’m afraid I’m probably doomed to get dementia (both parents have it, plus an uncle on Dad’s side and an aunt on Mom’s side, & I have a couple degenerative autoimmune diseases plus T2 diabetes [controlled])and as I have no spouse or kids I’m trying to plan for an aging future with appropriate care. It’s stressful and scary. I’m also learning mindfulness to try to deal with chronic pain and maybe retain the ability to appreciate the small joys and comforts of a day as my mind disappears. (And my stomach twists as I type that. Sigh. I’m trying.)
Hi Jo, I understand your stress. Being very active in body and mind is, I think, the key. Staying ahead of your conditions, not ‘letting life take its course’ as a few have said to me. I hope you can get on top of the chronic pain as I’m sure it affects movement. I’m sure you have this challenge in your sights!
Hi Jane, Thankyou for your writings on this subject. Dementia terrifies me. My sister in laws sister has just passed away from dementia, she was only 63, and had been in a nursing home for ten years. Her first symptom was the inability to sleep and she would walk for miles and miles in the early hours of the morning. My other friend has just been diagnosed and has had her licence revoked she is only 62. A very sad disease and so much to know.
Those stories are heart-breaking Ann and there are many, but there is evidence for the hopeful path. We need to make ourselves more aware not more fearful. I’m sure you are doing this. 🤗
Hi Jane,
Thank you for the dementia email.
Dementia is a common complaint these days, and the more we know about the better.
I will keep your email in case I want to obtain any of the books you mention at any stage.
Thank you again,
Russell Davis.
I will email you. Take care and nice to hear from you as always.
My dad had Lewy Bodies Dementia yet between the mood swings, hallucinations and forgetfulness, there was good times and humour.
They went from scary (dad driving the car around the Seven Hills shopping centre while I was trying to buy some wine for him. He told me he could drive but I told him he was not licenced to drive), to amazement (being a genetoligy trained nurse, he would give dementia and Parkinson's lectures that the Director of Nursing would encourage the staff to attend).
He was also a keen ukulele player and the Blue Mountains Ukelele Club proved to be a great afternoon for him to play music with others. The ability to play was not important (there are things that any skill level can play and still add to the sound of the concerts).
Thanks so much Darryl. Sounds like he made the most of some good things in his life. I take heart from this. It’s so hard for families.
A long form article based on a question for the title is really appropriate for you, a well-respected interviewer.
The topic is essential.
Recently, archaeologist Alice Robert’s posted on Instagram, and I paraphrase, ‘I’m out bike riding to stave off the decrepitude’.
So while there may be risks of developing dementia some of us are continuing an active lifestyle as a way to delay the potential ‘decrepitude’.
But then you mention the genetic impact of inheriting a particular genetic indicator from two relatives.
This will mean developing a healthy living plan.
For a carer or relative,the shock of witnessing hallucinations, and other behaviours never witnessed can be devastating.
The resources you provide are helpful.
Scientists continue to work on solutions to slow the deposits of plaque where there are neurotransmitters.
Like you, I tend to find the good health news towards the end of research.