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Organization is important for several different reasons. When you stop to think about it, the opposite of organization is chaos and chaos is synonymous with stress. When we look at the pillars of effective brain training, cognitive, physical, metabolic, and lifestyle factors, we see how stress relates directly to lifestyle factors. Many of these come with at least some level of personal control. Organization is an important factor for managing stress and making sure your brain experiences as little unnecessary distraction as possible. If you’re living by the seat of your pants and organizing your day with countless post-it notes or digital notes, it can bog you down. Also, when you’re not accomplishing things it gives you a sense of fear and worry, because you’re not completely doing the things you feel you are supposed to be doing. A lack of organization can be a significant challenge in your life. Simply crossing things off of your to-do list doesn’t mean that you are organized. To a certain degree, it might make more sense to sit down and write a 'to-not-do list'. Sometimes you can look at your current to-do list and find things that have been on there for months, if not years. If you’re not doing those things, then it probably means they are not all that important. Getting control of your thoughts and energies by having a to-not-do list can actually be quite liberating. It can even start to eliminate some of the fear and worry that comes from not getting everything done. There is a great deal of research that shows us how fear and worry are the two most damaging emotions to the human brain. They contribute to the production of significant amounts of stress hormones. These hormones circulate through the body and can actually cause damage to certain parts of the brain that allow us to learn. They can even damage connections that have been made in the brain. The more we do to eliminate those two emotions, the better off our brains will be. Some people might find that taking 10 or 15 minutes on Sunday evenings, to organize their week, can be incredibly powerful. You don’t have to go into minute detail. Simply prioritizing and putting your top tasks for the week in order can take a great deal of stress out of the week ahead. It can also help you think better, sleep better and interact more efficiently with friends, family, and coworkers. Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For additional information, and to learn more, please visit our Author's page. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

There are virtually hundreds of different breathing exercises with different purposes and outcomes. However, there is a simple, foundational breathing exercise that you can do each day to help your brain work better. This is particularly helpful for people that are not getting enough oxygen to their brains. Decreased oxygen levels have a serious impact on the brain. When we breathe normally, we typically inhale and exhale at a 1 to 1 ratio; meaning, for every second we breathe in, we breathe out for a count of 1 (e.g. 5 seconds in, 5 seconds out). When this happens we’re not really holding the air in our lungs for a significant length of time. This means there isn’t sufficient transfer of air to oxygen in the lungs, which limits the amount of oxygen in our bloodstream available to the brain. During this breathing exercise, you breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. When doing this make sure you’re sitting comfortably, or you could even be lying on your back. Don’t slouch, as you won’t be able to take in the maximum volume of air. You want to be able to feel your abdomen rise and fall. The rate of breathing for this exercise happens at a 1 to 2 ratio. When you inhale, that breath going in should take around 4 to 5 seconds. Don’t hold your breath. Tighten your lips a little bit as you breathe out, which will slow it down to take about twice as long, or 8 to 10 seconds. You could time this with a stopwatch or do it roughly by keeping track in your own mind. The key is to make sure that you’re breathing out longer than you’re breathing in. This exercise can increase oxygen levels in the bloodstream within 30 seconds to a minute after beginning. You can do this exercise throughout the course of the day. Each time try to do ten breaths. As you do this you will start to effectively train the brain to take in that breath, and retain it a little longer as you breathe out. This improves oxygen levels far better than just breathing to breathe. Breathing is something we need to do, so it’s something that we should do well. This is particularly important at certain times of the day when the brain might be lacking from an energy standpoint. This exercise can help raise your energy levels without having to resort to sugar, caffeine, or some other type of stimulant. It’s important to reinforce that in this particular exercise you don’t actually hold your breath! In fact, there might be some instances where someone has a medical problem where holding their breath could cause them to pass out. This exercise is about breathing in and immediately out. As your breathing becomes more efficient you can begin to explore more advanced breathing techniques. Remember: oxygen is the secret! Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For additional information, and to learn more, please visit our Author's page. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

I cannot remember names or where I left the keys, people say I repeat myself and often seem confused. I must have dementia. It’s easy to leap to conclusions but considerably more difficult to speak to your doctor about your concerns. You fear that stepping into your doctor’s office all but guarantees a diagnosis of dementia. However, a thorough medical exam may uncover other reasons, such as a bladder infection or medications that can explain why you are sometimes forgetful or confused. Again, don’t jump to conclusions if your doctor suggests that you undergo further tests. Pause, take a deep breath and tell yourself that ruling out dementia is not as easy as you may have assumed. At this point, your doctor may suggest that you get a second opinion from another physician or other kinds of healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating memory disorders. And remember, you don’t need your doctor’s permission to seek advice from other clinicians. A good doctor will welcome your efforts. Without question, what you are doing for yourself is scary. No, it’s worse than scary. It’s deep-down frightening. Take a deep breath. You don’t have to do this alone. A family member or a good friend can give the emotional support you need and, with your permission, can accompany you to your doctor appointments. In addition to the comfort of his or her presence, your family member or friend can be another set of ears (or your note taker) as you, in all probability, will be overwhelmed by a deluge of information. Sometimes the news isn’t good. But before you occupy a permanent seat on the couch and wait for the inevitable, take a moment and take a deep breath. There are medications, as well as participation in activities such as dancing, yoga, and tai chi, that can slow the progression of dementia. Keep in mind, there is a lot of good living ahead of you. Indulge, be active, do what gives you pleasure, and have good times with family and friends. Cherish the little things that enrich your life as well as the lives of others. This is a time to create memories. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of " An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

To some people, the phrase “knowledge is power” means learning the facts and talking to experts. Other people may feel the phrase describes mindfulness and self-determination. For the individuals and families for whom dementia has entered their life, both interpretations are important. Learning about such things as the different types of dementia, ways to slow progression and to overcome challenges, as well as navigating the spectrum of legal issues and quality-of-life wishes creates a sense of empowerment. This approach enables good decision-making as well as makes it easier to converse with physicians and other healthcare professionals. Internet research is a good place to start. Be sure to use keywords that give you a manageable number of hits. For example, the word “dementia” alone reveals 4.9 million results. Using a string of words such as “Lewy body, behavior, and medication” will improve the usefulness of your internet fact-finding efforts. Determining the reliability of internet information is another issue. Government resources, such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Dementia-Information-Page ) are the location of the high-quality patient and family-centered information. University medical centers, such as the University of California, San Francisco, Memory, and Aging Center are another source of dependable information. ( http://memory.ucsf.edu ) Medline Plus, (National Library of Medicine) can direct you to add high-quality sites. ( https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/evaluatinghealthinformation.html ) Internet searches, though certainly an important aspect of your fact-gathering journey, cannot replace conversation. So, be sure to include a telephone in your arsenal of fact-finding tools. The local Agency on Aging, the Dementia Society of America, as well as nearby hospitals, university medical schools, and Veterans Health Administration hospitals, are examples of organizations where you will find experts. Use their webpage to find the contact information of the people best able to help you. Mindfulness and self-determination is another way to interpret “knowledge is power.” Here, rather than facts, the emphasis is on self-reflection. Self-reflection can be something as simple as setting aside a few quiet and quieting moments each day for contemplation. Acknowledge feelings such as anger, sadness, abandonment, and fear. Use your feelings both as an entryway to mindfulness as well as an incentive to discovering solutions to the challenges you face. Consider having a psychologist or a medical social worker guide you through this difficult period. Keeping a hand-written or word-processed diary is another tool. At the end of the day, perhaps just before going to bed, set aside a few moments to write. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or creating the perfect sentence. Just write. Pour your heart out. Document the events that made your day especially good or unbelievably horrible. Be sure to review your diary writings from time to time. Doing so will help you see past mistakes, appreciate progress, or give important insight into the best next steps. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of " An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

The doctor told me that, “Dementia is the cause for the changes we have all noticed.” These are sobering words are ones that elicit conversation between loved ones. The location could be an office where a counselor facilitates productive discussion. Or perhaps the best place is an informal one where coffee and cake create an atmosphere of comfort and connectedness. It’s hard to know where to begin. Some find it easiest to let the conversation gradually drift from the weather to the emotional and practical aspects of dementia. Others prefer having the help of a counselor to guide productive exchange. People in the early stages of dementia may be the one who initiates the discussion. He or she may start by addressing their fears of what they face as well as their distress of becoming a burden. He or she may have words to say about choosing the person who they hope will oversee their care as well as express the desire that dementia does not create ill-will between family members. His or her thoughts about end-of-life care are another important topic. Here listening may be more important than discussion. Listen to what he or she has to say about advance directives, comfort (palliative) care, and hospice--the last stage of palliative care. Conversation among loved ones will undoubtedly include more immediate wishes such as enjoying time together, taking bucket-list adventures, and the challenge of the “things I have always wanted to do” list. This is the time to create memories. Sometimes families and same-sex couple and their families do not have the luxury of beginning a conversation with a diagnosis of early-stage dementia. When this is the case, your loved one may still have the capability to listen and perhaps make comments. Be sure to acknowledge his or her presence and, as much as is possible, engage them in the discussion. Speaking with and among loved ones is an ongoing process. Events occur that require reassessment. Family dynamics may have deteriorated and should be addressed before they worsen. It may be time to talk about the conflicts between personal views about death and dying and your loved one’s advance directives. Or perhaps reassessment involves orchestrating a family gathering or a final adventure. It's so important to begin having the conversation early. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of " An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

Perimeter shopping is a concept that more and more people are becoming aware of. During some of my lectures, I will ask people if they’ve heard of it. At first, I didn’t see a lot of acknowledgment, but now I see hands go up all over the place! As the name implies, perimeter shopping is about going into the supermarket and you focus on buying foods from the outside aisles and cases. The outside aisles of a grocery store are filled with fresh produce, meats, and dairy. Almost all grocery stores are set up this way because it allows it allows convenient access to refrigeration and it allows the grocery store employees to restock fresh goods quickly. These products like meat, milk, fruits, and vegetables, haven’t been changed much from their source. So we call them whole foods. The term perimeter shopping is defining where whole foods are most likely to be found at the supermarket. There are implications of some things not necessarily being as healthy as they could be, but by and large whole foods are nutrient-dense. Access to whole foods and how they are included in your lifestyle can vary depending on where you live. People living in inner cities or in small rural communities tend to have a small selection of whole foods to choose from. In some areas, access to fresh produce might be limited by the season, or how often the product is rotated, based on decreased demand. People that grew up in these areas often have more processed foods in their diet. What makes this concept really important is that your brain is driven by energy. The brain essentially runs on sugar and oxygen. Sugar comes from the foods that we eat. Processed foods, which tend to be found on the interior of the supermarket, are made either by breaking down whole foods, or ingredients extracted from whole foods. Most of these products incorporate chemical processes or chemical preservatives to extend their shelf life. As a result, processed foods tend to have less nutrient density and lower quality sugars. These are foods that you usually find in a box, can, or bag. The further something is from the original source, or its original form, the harder it is for our body to break down and our brain to get adequate fuel from that food. The whole foods found at the perimeter of the supermarket are the most efficient, readily available sources of fuel for our brains. If we intend to train our brain with any degree of success, we need to make sure that we have the proper gas in the tank. Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For additional information, and to learn more, please visit our Author's page. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

Effective brain training requires a holistic approach that includes cognitive, physical, metabolic and lifestyle factors that are related to brain health. Getting out in the sun has several factors that are important for brain health and brain function. Many people are aware that there is a relationship between sun exposure and vitamin D. There are five types of D vitamins. Each of them has a different role in the body. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces a bioactive or readily available form of Vitamin D known as cholecalciferol. Vitamin D doesn’t act like other vitamins. Some people say it shouldn’t be considered a vitamin because it acts as a pre-hormone. Vitamin D is used to synthesize many of the hormones that circulate through our bodies. If we don’t have adequate stores of vitamin D, we can’t form cholesterol appropriately, as well as other types of hormones that help the body and brain work efficiently. It’s important to note, there are people in certain cultures that can’t absorb vitamin D very well, or can’t convert vitamin D into the appropriate source. There are also individuals that need to take vitamin D supplements. There are also challenges for people that have had gallbladder removed. The gallbladder stores surplus bile created by the liver. One of the things this does is to help the body to digest fats. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It’s critical to understand that if you’re having problems with vitamin D levels that there are things you can do about it. They are very easily measured. There are many different ways for you to get around that and it’s worthy of discussion with your health care provider as well as a healthcare provider that specializes in functional medicine. There are several different options such as pills, sublingual under the tongue, and topical forms of vitamin D supplements. If you don’t have a medical condition influencing your vitamin D levels, then the best way to get the bioactive stores of vitamin D is to get out into the sun. Now for those people that are living in climates that don’t get a lot of suns. However, it doesn’t take a long time 10, 15, or 20 minutes in direct sunlight can really help to boost vitamin D levels better than any pill ever could. Be ever mindful of over-exposure; always get an annual all-over skin exam by a dermatologist, and don’t forget the sunscreen! Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For additional information, and to learn more, please visit our Author's page. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

Modern life is filled with everyday nuisances that we all have to deal with. It might be someone cutting you off on the road, rude people in a store, or whatever the case may be. These nuisances that plague us on a daily basis, have the ability to influence our stress level. This could manifest itself in many different ways; it could be anger it could be anxiety, fear, or worry. When it comes to stress, we’re adding elevations of certain hormones in our body that cause our body to work a certain way. Somebody cuts you off on the road, our blood pressure goes up, breathing changes and your emotions can change very rapidly. There are all these consequences and cascades of events that occur simply because somebody decided they wanted to get in front of you on a line or on the road. Some people can let that go pretty easily, but most people tend to get caught up in it. Of course, letting go of some of these things is easier said than done. It takes practice. There are countless stressors you can encounter on a daily basis that can get to you; be it a rude cashier, somebody cutting you off on the road, or a boss that’s yelling at you. Any one of these things can increase your stress level, which can affect a wide range of systems in the body, especially those related to brain health. Do Not Let Them Get To You! Activities like meditation, exercise, and other forms of stress management can help you deal with the feeling of stress, fear, and worry that has gotten too far out of hand due to these accumulated stressors. This is especially helpful for anger that has gotten too far out of hand. Neurofeedback is another great tool that can help people become aware of their stress reactions and to help them gain control over them. There are many different tools and techniques to manage this immediate stress reaction. It takes practice and the first step is awareness. Simply being aware of your reactions to potentially stressful situations is enough to get you started on finding the method that works best for you. Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For additional information, and to learn more, please visit our Author's page. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

Believing it may bring bad luck, many people resist getting their legal and financial affairs in order for as long as possible. However, it’s not having taken care of these matters that will bring bad luck to you and your immediate family. And, as with all complicated family transactions, communication is the key to success (hopefully) without stress. The power of attorney (POA) is a legal document where you designate a person - family member, friend, or another individual such as a lawyer, the right to act on your behalf. As is true for many legal procedures, the details vary from state to state. However, granting a POA to a designated individual involves a lawyer, a witness, and a notary. While your doctor appreciates hearing your concerns, he cannot respond to comments or discuss a loved one’s condition without having a copy of the health POA on file. This document assures the doctor, as well as other healthcare providers, that the named individual has the authorization to receive confidential information and to make medical decisions on your behalf. A second POA document gives a designated person permission to sign checks, deposit or withdraw money from your bank accounts, or interact with businesses on your behalf. Similar to the medical POA, the banks and businesses must have a copy of the POA on file before there can be an exchange of information or documents. It is best to designate the same person on both POA documents. Only people who are demonstrably competent to make well-founded decisions may sign POA papers. If this is not the case, a family member may feel it is necessary to file a request with the courts to become your guardian and conservator – a lengthy, expensive, and emotionally exhausting process. People who have early-stage dementia usually have the capacity to make decisions and therefore are capable to sign a power of attorney papers. With regard to personal finances, it is important to develop a comprehensive plan that both conforms to applicable state and federal regulations as well as parallels the stipulations of your POA documents. The comprehensive plan makes it possible for a family, or another designated person, to manage your finances in the case of infirmity. Upon death, your designee has immediate access to your accounts and thereby makes it possible for him to pay bills as well as to meet other expenses. A similar plan should be applied to the management of any stocks, bonds, and certificates of deposit you may have. Trusts and annuities are other areas for exploration as are life and long-term care insurance policies. Most people do not have the time, inclination, or the skills to develop a comprehensive plan to protect their savings and other assets You can accomplish some of these tasks, such as opening a joint bank and checking accounts with the help of a bank associate. However, it’s imperative that you confer with the professionals who specialize in developing an individualized, comprehensive, and long-term plan to create income should you become infirm as well as to supplement your social security or disability benefits. Other facets of your individualized financial plan include strategies to protect your assets, and eventually, your estate. Some of the professionals you may need to see include an estate lawyer, an accountant, a financial advisor, and an insurance underwriter. Yes, it is true. Neglecting to take care of these legal and financial matters long before needed guarantees a future of insurmountable difficulties for you and your loved ones. Remember, it's not bad luck to plan for the future. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of " An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

At one time or another, everyone forgets where they left the car keys, blanks out on a word or name, or cannot remember why they went to the kitchen. Is our forgetfulness simply the result of preoccupation, a “senior moment,” or is it something much worse? It’s easy to leap to conclusions. It’s considerably more difficult to take the next step and talk to your family, a close friend, a religious or spiritual advisor, or your doctor about your deepest and darkest worries. It's important to make no assumptions, but take the next steps to get evaluated. Your family and friends will probably say something non-committal and suggest that you make an appointment to see your doctor. A religious or spiritual advisor will probably have some comforting words and encourage you to speak with your doctor. Your doctor will recommend that you undergo a complete medical exam. Your medical history comprises the first portion of your exam. Your doctor will ask if you smoke, drink, or have ever had a head injury or a concussion. He or she will want a list of the medications you take and the daily dosage. Your doctor will want to know your surgical history--dates, type, and if you experienced complications. The doctor will also give you a checklist of various diseases and conditions that you or a close relative may have or have had. Some of these include diabetes, psychiatric disorders, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, thyroid disease, epilepsy, strokes, or heart disease. In other words – come to your appointment prepared with a list of the important information that most people do not remember in sufficient detail. Next, your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs and then begin the usual prods and pokes. One aspect of your physical exam may be different from the ones you have experienced before. Because you are concerned about memory difficulties, your doctor may administer a series of simple tests to evaluate: your cognitive functions--the ability to think, learn, and remember as well as your executive functions--the ability to plan, organize, strategize, and pay attention to detail. Together the medical history and the physical exam provide the clues your doctor needs to take the most appropriate next steps. Based on the results of your complete medical exam, your doctor may say “everything looks good.” However, don’t jump to conclusions if your doctor suggests that you undergo further tests. Just try to remember that ruling out Alzheimer's Disease or any other of the dozen or so kinds of commonly encountered dementia is difficult. Yes, “it’s easier said than done.” Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of " An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

Many people are under the impression that Alzheimer Disease (AD) and dementia are different conditions. In fact, AD is a type of dementia. In addition to AD, dementia also includes types such as vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Many people, particularly those who are very old, have mixed dementia or dementia that is caused by more than one kind of brain disease. AD is currently considered the most common kind of dementia. Researchers estimate that as many as 5.5 million people living in the United States have this type of dementia.* Although scientists have found various genetic and environmental factors that may increase the likelihood of having AD, age is the most important risk factor. In the United States, about 1 out of every 20 men and women between the ages of 65 and 74 have AD.* The frequency for this disease nearly doubles every five years beyond age 65. Researchers believe that nearly half of all people older than 85 may be in various stages of the disease. Vascular dementia, accounting for 12 to 20 percent of all dementias, is the second most common age-related dementia.* Unlike the gradual progression of AD, the onset of vascular dementia symptoms is often abrupt and may occur when a heart attack or a stroke dramatically reduces blood flow to or through the brain. Vascular dementia can also have a slow progression. This happens when the accumulative damage of transient ischemic attacks - often called TIAs - causes many small areas of brain damage and, eventually, noticeable symptoms. The descriptive name “multi-infarct dementia” is the term healthcare providers use to describe this kind of vascular dementia. Multi-infarct dementia is the most common type of vascular dementia. Each type of dementia has specific signs and symptoms. For example, memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in performing what was once familiar and easy tasks are early symptoms of AD. In contrast, the early symptoms of frontotemporal lobe degeneration (FTD) are poor coordination, tremors, and difficulty in using and understanding written and spoken language. Memory loss is another aspect of FTD but occurs much later in the course of the disease. Ultimately, however, memory loss is a symptom that all forms of dementia have in common. Examples of other types of dementia include dementia resulting from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBD); Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS); Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH); Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE); Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), and others. * https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf (accessed May 5, 2016 - website has since been updated) Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of " An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse or guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org

Eat your breakfast is one of those things we’ve all been told by our parents and even our grandparents. Of course, there is something to be said about the value of putting calories into your body each morning and the positive impact it has on the brain. Unfortunately, what happens all too often is that people get caught up in their lives and sometimes give in to the temptation to skip breakfast. For some people, it’s usually just a factor of being too busy. People are rushing out the door to get to work on time, drop off the kids, or running late for an appointment. There’s another segment of people that consciously choose to skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. Their intuition tells them that skipping breakfast will give them a slimmer body shape, but, in fact, it’s actually working against them. Several different things happen when you eat breakfast in the morning. One of the primary benefits is that it gets your metabolism started. It also sets the tone for the day. Your brain needs a constant and steady source of fuel. It cannot store sugar, its primary source of fuel. If you are going from say 8 o’clock at night until noon the next day without eating anything then the brain is without adequate fuel for most of that time. When this happens, the brain makes the inference that there isn’t adequate food available. When the brain goes into a state of crisis it starts to act to preserve its most valuable source of energy, which is fat. The brain goes into a catabolic response, where it starts to break down protein structures and muscle mass in the body. Unfortunately, this is a very expensive process, which requires a lot of energy just to break down and use the protein. Not to mention, the accelerated loss of valuable muscle mass that tends to decline as we age anyhow. The end result is that your body stores fat while making you feel more sluggish. Most people, especially men will deposit fat around the midsection and the neck. The bottom line is that it doesn’t take much to wake up five minutes earlier to grab something quick for breakfast. When you’re first developing the habit of eating breakfast, it doesn’t have to be a big meal. Getting your metabolism started and providing energy for the brain doesn’t require a lot of fuel. Even something simple like eating a piece of fruit or a hard-boiled egg while you’re going out the door is better than nothing at all. Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For additional information, and to learn more, please visit our Author's page. The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts- that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice, please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org