Obstructing Alzheimer's

The mind fascinates me and sparks my curiosity.  After closely observing aging people to see if I could find a reason why some develop Alzheimer's and others do not, and why the disease of some who do progresses slowly compared to others, I now have a theory.  Not only does the mind need to stay active, it has to be challenged with new tasks.

For years I have seen numerous suggestions on ways to keep the mind active -- work crossword puzzles, participate in games, read more, attend lectures, etc.  In essence, be engaged.  It goes without question that former-President Reagan remained engaged, read a lot, was quite sociable and actively participated in life.  While doing nursing-assistant care for a couple years, I often saw this same characteristic of other aging people.  And yet, they fell victim to Alzheimer's in varying degrees.  Why?

One observation was that the disease did not progress as quickly in the people who stayed both physically and mentally active.  Even if a person were stagnating and becoming worse, it was amazing how much he/she bounced "forward" after receiving more stimulation through chatting with me or accompanying me on errands -- engaging in conversations and songs, cleaning, cooking, decorating, gardening, "helping me" follow directions from place A to place B, and interacting with other people in the grocery stores, doctors' offices, and so forth.  However, even though that increased activity helped ward off the rate of progression, it remained present and a nuisance.

What was different, then, about elderly people I know who are still mentally sharp and astute?  My answer came recently when taking a four-week ceramics class.  At 59 years old, I was the "baby" of the group and was undertaking a "new" skill and experience.  Every now and then, an aging acquaintance/friend willingly participates in doing something new to them.  I combined this recognition with knowing already that the brain likes to categorize everything -- like putting things in neat little boxes.  Over time, the "walls" between the boxes deteriorate bit by bit, and information begins sloshing together; and some information falls through the cracks, forever lost.  There is was!  The sharp and astue elderly people put new activities into their lives.

Using President Reagan again as an example, I speculate that although he remained very active and busy, he was not learning new skills.  Absorbing and analyzing information was already a developed skill.  The fact that new information was constantly being introduced did not matter -- the basic "box" of "how to receive and analyze" was already established.  What might have been his condition had he picked up a new hobby every year -- woodcarving, painting, playing an instrument, or archery?  

My theory is that Alzheimer's can be obstructed when a person periodically takes on an activity that introduces thoughts of a totally new subject combined with new motions that challenge depth perception, hand-to-eye coordination, body movements (like in dancing, yoga, and tai chi) and dexterity.  It forces the brain to make a new box.  Perhaps in doing so, the making of new boxes might also add strength to weakening boxes.  Since there is nothing to lose by testing this theory, it is my plan to do so.  If I am correct, it will be one last challenge my loved ones will have to deal with as I continue to "mature."  And for me?  I will continue to experience new enjoyments!