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We invite you to take a moment to check out this great synopsis of some initial steps folks can take after receiving a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment. That can be a time where it's common to feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. Unlike conditions with clear-cut medical treatments, many people feel adrift after the flurry of appointments has died down and a diagnosis is confirmed. We think the staff who created the article below did a great job of highlighting the key "action items" to be aware of.
First steps when you have mild cognitive impairment - Mayo Clinic
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I had a Volumetric MRI and it found my hippocampus ( area of memory) had shrunk 20% which indicates MCI. I feel "normal" but do forget things occassionally. NOT sure exactly where I fit on a scale from 1-10 1 being great memory, 10 meaning Alzheimers. I have read about things to do to slow onset of dementia and I have coined the acronym : FLASH. Doing these will keep your brain and body healthy as is possible.
F = FOOD. eat healthy foods, low carbs, NO SUGAR, and more veggies
L = LEARN - take time to learn new things. I am taking up Spanish since it is one I had studied before
A = ACTION - Exercise is what this means, walk, yoga, stretching, balance exercises, etc
S = SLEEP - get a good nights, at least 6-7 hours of sleep. I take a Magnesium tablet before sleep and if I wake up take a ONE Milligram Melatonin tablet. You don't need 5 or 10 mg. You can get. 1 mg on Amazon
H = Healthy relationships with other people, friends, church, clubs, etc. Even being on internet Zoom groups gets you connected
Best of luck - we are all in this together.
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6 ReactionsAlso see this related discussion:
- Erdheim Chester Disease: Anyone have this?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/erdheim-chester-disease/
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1 ReactionHas anyone been advised to do the Neurotrax test? My husband's neurologist wants him to take it. He is 87 and has mild memory impairment, but it is getting worse.
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1 Reactionbobkowal… the 5 things you listed to slow MCI and decrease risk of ALZ are right on.
I have had MCI for 3 years. I
have a strong family history of Alzheimer’s.
I had the p-Tau 217 blood test
and it came out positive, indicating a 90%chance of developing ALZ. Also had an APOE genetic test…. It is APOE 4/4
which means high risk for ALZ. The I am starting the Dale Bredesen, MD protocol which has been shown to prevent, slow, stop and even reverse Alzheimer’s. The 5 things you listed are all cornerstones of his method.
I recommend his book(s)
The End of Alzheimer’s and/or The End of Alzheimer’s Program.
We ARE all in this together… just about everyone knows someone with ALZ, and many more with MCI.
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5 ReactionsJulie,
Thank you for reaching out to me with your story about your diagnosis. It took courage to share that, and I appreciate your caring enough to talk about your situation. I have not had the APOE test, maybe afraid to take it. I have read The End of Alzheimers and am working to use the suggestions in the book. I have to admit, giving up sugar is one of the challenges, but I know it is best for me. I am learning to use Stevia, a plant based sweetner, that is satisfying my needs for sweets once in awhile.
My daughter, age @ 44, is going to take the test. I have not taken it yet. I live in a small town in WA and it is a challenge to find medical testing in the area. You are in my thoughts and prayers for all you are going through with your diagnosis.
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2 ReactionsWhat is this test? I have never heard of it. WHY does the neurologist advise taking it?
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2 Reactions@bethyh79 I hope you don’t mind, but I added a description of NeuroTrax so that others would know what you’re talking about.
NeuroTrax. Is a computerized cognitive assessment platform designed to measure and monitor brain health
What is your feeling about having your husband take the test?
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1 ReactionJulie,
Thank you for reaching out to me with your story about your diagnosis. It took courage to share that, and I appreciate your caring enough to talk about your situation. I have not had the APOE test, maybe afraid to take it. My daughter, age @ 44, took the test and she said she had
I took a brain health test for the heck of it and it showed. It is at website. “brainhealthassessment.com”.
Out Of 16 possibilities,
You Are Brain Type 2
THAT MEANS YOU TEND TO:
Spontaneous
Risk-taking
Restless
Creative “out-of-the-box” thinking
Easily Distracted
Focused only when interested
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2 ReactionsThat sounds like ADD!
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1 ReactionI DO have ADHD!! I love my creativity, outgoing personality, joy for living, learning new things and being all I can be in life. I am 77 and still moving like I was 40. I bike, swim, walk, hike, and do a set of 20 PT exercises 3-5 times a week. Age IS just a number.