But I can’t help laughing sometimes…

​My mum phones me - ‘I’m in Hamilton and I can’t get home…can you come and pick me up…I can’t find my bus ticket.’

​Me: How did you get there?

‘I walked’ -  as if stating the obvious.

My mum lives in Kerikeri so that is quite a feat for an 85 year old with a walker.

Me : No mum you are at home…’

‘…No I am not…how do you know?…’

Me : because my phone tells me where you are and which phone you are using…and it says you are phoning from your own home phone number.’

I can just see my mum trying to get a grip on that concept…but it seems to work.

‘…Oh…’

Me: look around mum…see all the photos of you and dad…and all your other things? Go and make yourself a nice cup of tea…’

‘…Oh…yes I suppose I am at home…a cup of tea sounds nice…bye…’

Most of us have someone in the family or know some one who suffers from dementia…its really sad to see someone you know and love having lived a vibrant, fulfilling and happy life slip gradually into a state where they don’t know where they are, who they are or who anyone else is.

All is not lost…

There is compelling research that dementia in many cases can be reversed, slowed or kept at the same level depending on the severity and cause…and even prevented from occurring.

The physiology is based around the balance of neuro-stimulation and neuro-degeneration. A huge influence on this balance has to do with life style.

There are five lifestyle factors that have the biggest influence on the likelyhood of dementia:

Of these…guess what…Exercise was found to be the most effective in long term physical and mental health.

If we dig a little deeper the research shows that internal inflammation, an acidic system, chemical sensitivity, heavy metal toxicity, environmental toxins like moulds…etc.

The list goes on and on…If you want a really good overview of Dementia, click here

The art of a healthy diet and maintaining a low body weight…can be easier said than done…the science is there…

We are so used to our old habits and belief systems it can be really hard to change…but really…do you want to end up struggling with ill health and feeling like you are a burden to your family and friends.

The top ten ways to stave off dementia and other chronic health conditions.

1. Take vitamins and minerals…especially B6, E and zinc

2. Take fish oil capsules…really good for the nerves and to reduce inflammation.

3. Drink green tea…good antioxidant.

4. Do some physical activity…don’t need to Rambo it…but regular aerobic and weight bearing exercise is good.

5. Enjoy a rich, stimulating environment…like bush or beach walks.

6. Keep your brain active…crosswords, Sudoku or memory apps.

7. Dance.

8. Don’t worry.

9. Have a good laugh.

10. Stress release/relaxation exercises like breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, Tai Chi.

For an overview of dementia and how it can affect you go to  https://stretchforlife.co.nz/dementia-an-overview/