Brain training won't stop mental decline!

[Roses]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46507024

This report, if it is correct, is rather depressing. It suggests that mental stimulation in our old age isn't going to prevent us from getting dementia. I encourage my husband to do complicated jigsaw puzzles, which he is still more than capable of doing, in spite of the serious brain damage he has sustained. He also does complicated graphs on his computer. Of course with me being the family thicko, intelligent conversation isn't as good as he would like it to be unless our daughters are in residence. I am concerned his memory is getting worse, I am terrified he might get dementia like his much older brother, who is completely away with the fairies. I couldn't cope with him if he got like that.

[SusanDoris]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46507024

This report, if it is correct, is rather depressing. It suggests that mental stimulation in our old age isn't going to prevent us from getting dementia. I encourage my husband to do complicated jigsaw puzzles, which he is still more than capable of doing, in spite of the serious brain damage he has sustained. He also does complicated graphs on his computer. Of course with me being the family thicko, intelligent conversation isn't as good as he would like it to be unless our daughters are in residence. I am concerned his memory is getting worse, I am terrified he might get dementia like his much older brother, who is completely away with the fairies. I couldn't cope with him if he got like that.

I too heard that mentioned briefly. Whether doing crosswords actually prevents a cell or two becoming useless I don't know, but it is certainly necessary to use the cells we have to do them!!

[Robbie]

Yes that's right Susan. I like crosswords and word games, used to do them all the time, less often now. What LR says about her husband, I am afraid of for myself. I've definitely changed recently. It's as if I'm not really 'here' and am so, so tired. I'm OK at work, haven't made mistakes or said anything untoward (yet).

I'm hoping it's just a phase which will soon pass. It's not pleasant.

I am on my own tonight, husband went over to daughter's straight from work to do a little job for her and she will feed him. I have a big jacket potato in the oven for supper (cheese and beans), and will curl up in front of the TV. I dunno what's on, Holby I think.

It's all very strange though, I used to watch a fair bit of TV and read a lot. Now I can't concentrate on anything for too long.

Sorry, didn't mean to go on at such length about me.

[SusanDoris]

Yes that's right Susan. I like crosswords and word games, used to do them all the time, less often now. What LR says about her husband, I am afraid of for myself. I've definitely changed recently. It's as if I'm not really 'here' and am so, so tired. I'm OK at work, haven't made mistakes or said anything untoward (yet).

I'm hoping it's just a phase which will soon pass. It's not pleasant.

I am on my own tonight, husband went over to daughter's straight from work to do a little job for her and she will feed him. I have a big jacket potato in the oven for supper (cheese and beans), and will curl up in front of the TV. I dunno what's on, Holby I think.

It's all very strange though, I used to watch a fair bit of TV and read a lot. Now I can't concentrate on anything for too long.

Sorry, didn't mean to go on at such length about me.

I strongly recommend that you find out why you are feeling so tired - blood tests, maybe? Perhaps you need some iron.

I have two friends, both of whom, as far as I can see when I talk to them and that is quite often,have no sign of dementia, but they keep saying that their memories are going, etc. and it sounds to me as if they are sort of talking themselves into believing there is something wrong with their minds, instead of doing some other activity whenever their thoughts turn in that direction.

[Robbie]

Thanks Susan. I'll give it a bit longer, if I'm still feeling like this in the new year I'll have a check up. I have been like this before and it passed so I live in hope. It's a very sad feeling while it lasts, like being in a jar.

[Nearly Sane]

Thanks Susan. I'll give it a bit longer, if I'm still feeling like this in the new year I'll have a check up. I have been like this before and it passed so I live in hope. It's a very sad feeling while it lasts, like being in a jar.

I am with Susan. Don't wait. Go now. But I understand your wanting to wait. But don't.

[Robbie]

Thanks, you are kind. I feel embarrassed now, don't usually talk about personal stuff. I'll give it a week or so though, it's like being in fog but I'm on form at work.

[Nearly Sane]

Thanks, you are kind. I feel embarrassed now, don't usually talk about personal stuff. I'll give it a week or so though, it's like being in fog but I'm on form at work.

Take care.

[Roses]

Thanks Susan. I'll give it a bit longer, if I'm still feeling like this in the new year I'll have a check up. I have been like this before and it passed so I live in hope. It's a very sad feeling while it lasts, like being in a jar.

I am sorry you are feel like that, Robbie, but I do think you should get it checked out sooner rather than later.

[Aruntraveller]

I'll join the chorus of strict nannies - go and get yourself looked at. Could be nothing more than winter blues (currently I expect to come out of that state around about April!) but you need to know.

[Enki]

I'll go along with all these caring voices you keep reading, Robbie. I also think you need to check things out. I bet that's exactly the advice you'd give to someone else who was feeling low and tired out. Look after yourself.

[Harrowby Hall]

Yes. I agree with the others - seek a professional opinion. 

For seasonal affective disorder (SAD) you might like to consider a SAD light box. Look on Amazon. These are genuine therapeutic devices not gimmicks and your GP may suggest using one.

If you have a newish TV or computer there may even be a "winter setting" which changes the overall hue of the screen from being blue-ish to orange-ish.

[Steve H]

Back to the topic: when lots of previous studies confirm something, and then one single study comes along which denies it, the chances are that the single study is a rogue, and can be discounted.

[Roses]

Back to the topic: when lots of previous studies confirm something, and then one single study comes along which denies it, the chances are that the single study is a rogue, and can be discounted.

I hope it is wrong, but I know a number of people who kept their brains active, but succumbed to dementia, like my husband's brother, for instance. There are well known people with who had busy lives who also suffered, or are suffering, from the condition, like Maggie Thatcher and Terry Pratchett.

[Steve H]

Remaining mentally active tends to keep dementia at bay. That's not to say that it works in every single case. There are people who exercised regularly and ate a healthy diet who dropped dead of a heart attack in the their 50s (including Jim Fixx, the 70s and 80s jogging guru who died of a heart attack while out jogging, aged 52). That doesn't alter the fact that plenty of exercise and a healthy diet in general leads to a longer life and more active old age.

[Harrowby Hall]

Back to the topic:

No-one has left the topic.

Littleroses' topic is essentially about warding off dementia. There is evidence - the relationship is complex and research is ongoing - that insomnia may be related to dementia later in life. Phototherapy is a common treatment for SAD and may also be used in treatment for insomnia. There is material of interest in academic literature.

[Roses]

No-one has left the topic.

Littleroses' topic is essentially about warding off dementia. There is evidence - the relationship is complex and research is ongoing - that insomnia may be related to dementia later in life. Phototherapy is a common treatment for SAD and may also be used in treatment for insomnia. There is material of interest in academic literature.

Oh dear, I don't sleep very well these days.