Hope For a Sharper Mind

By Guest Blogger: Lisa Feiner

Until recently, it was thought that we were born with all the brain cells we would ever have, and they were slowly lost over time as we aged. Research shows, however, that the brain is neuroplastic and neurogenerative, able to continue learning and growing new connections. When the brain receives the right nutrition, enough mental stimulation, nourishing friendships, exercise, and sound sleep, and is also protected from trauma, prolonged stress, toxins and infection, it thrives. And we now have a good idea about how to keep it thriving throughout our lifespans.

According to the CDC, dementia is not an inevitable part of aging[1], and yet Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia cases continue to rise, even in younger age groups. A recent Blue Cross Blue Shield study reported a 373% increase in diagnoses of early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease among 30 to 44 year-olds, and an overall 200% increase in those aged 30-64.[2] How can this be? The nonprofit, Sharp Again Naturally (SAN), has identified more than 10 reasons our cognition can start to falter, and the seeds are often sown decades before symptoms appear. Reasons may include poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, low hormone levels, heavy metals, prescription drugs, emotional and physical trauma, and more.

Some people, including doctors, will tell patients that nothing can be done to treat Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment, and to go home and get their affairs in order. A prescription may be offered to help slow the disease for a few months. There is more that we can do. There are now protocols that for many people can preserve and/or restore partial, if not full, cognition. Studies are ongoing and several books have been written about this new multi-modal approach: instead of one drug, a combination of lifestyle changes, supplements, and other interventions are used.

Family members, close friends, co-workers and even neighbors are often in the best position to notice when someone is having memory issues. For example, they see that bills aren’t being paid or past experiences and conversations are not being recalled. There may be a change in personal habits, such as more frequent purchases from a home shopping network or lists being posted throughout the home.  Memory problems usually appear slowly and worsen gradually, but often the person him or herself starts to realize that they are having frequent lapses. It is at this stage that interventions can be most helpful.

A professional case manager, such as LMR Elder Care, works with families and individuals and often sees people who are at various stages along the dementia journey. In fact, it is not uncommon for the caregiver of someone with dementia to begin to suffer memory issues too. We know that caregivers who are caring for someone with dementia are six times more likely to develop dementia themselves.[3] The objective professional is in a unique position to holistically evaluate what is happening and refer the family to appropriate resources. That is why it’s essential for all of us to understand that memory loss should be addressed as it may be treatable, and to seek help as early as possible. We all deserve to live a full life with our minds intact.

Lisa Feiner, MBA, M.Ed. is a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and a founder of Sharp Again Naturally. SAN educates people about the causes of memory loss and offers tools to preserve brain health (sharpagain.org).

Citations:

[1] www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/dementia-not-normal-aging.html

[2] https://www.bcbs.com/the-health-of-america/reports/early-onset-dementia-alzheimers-disease-affecting-younger-american-adults

[3] https://www.sciencenews.org/article/caring-spouse-dementia-leaves-caregiver-risk

Having “The Talk” With Mom and Dad

By Guest blogger: Michael Daniels

It’s funny how life has a way of going full circle.  When I was a child, mom and dad sat me down for a talk about “the birds and the bees.” Fortunately, my parents and I survived that experience relatively unscathed.  Fast forward 30 years.  I’m in my 40s while mom and dad are in their 70s.  It was time for another “talk.” This one would be as awkward as when I was young.  However, this would likewise be a critical conversation – “Mom and dad, how do you manage your personal finances and what should I (your son) know about them?”

At first, my parents were a bit hesitant to openly respond to my questions.  They know that financial services have been my profession for over a decade and that I have these conversations with clients all the time.  However, they were uncomfortable sharing this very personal information, which is completely understandable as I am their son, not their attorney or financial advisor. Rather than push them to disclose sensitive information, I educated them as to why it was important to share.  After a brief, yet focused, conversation, I left them with important reasons to consider sharing their personal finances with me, their adult son. These include:

• If something happened to one or both of you, how would I know what accounts you have or where your important documents are stored?  How would I “pick up the pieces” and manage your affairs?

• Are you prepared to cover retirement and potential long-term care expenses?  If not, what is “Plan B”?

• How would you like your house, your property, and your possessions to be distributed someday?

I wish that I could share that immediately following “the talk” my parents provided me with all of the information I would need to handle their affairs. On the bright side, it did begin a series of necessary conversations.  Eventually, my parents not only got their estate plan documents executed, they also explained to me how their finances are set-up and where important documents (wills, powers of attorney, statements, etc.) are located.

To all the parents and adult children out there that are avoiding “the talk” because it may be uncomfortable, I urge you to consider making an attempt sooner rather than later.  Dealing with the fallout from not knowing critical information about household finances is much more difficult to handle.

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About Michael:

Michael is Senior Financial Advisor at Financial Focus Group. He is responsible for helping clients make strategic decisions in the areas of risk management, wealth management, tax strategies and estate planning strategies. Office Phone: 201-626-6688 * Email: mdaniels@ffgus.com

Michael Daniels is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Securian Financial Services. Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through Securian Financial Services Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Focus Group is independently owned and operated. 95 Christopher Columbus Drive Floor 12A Jersey City, NJ 07302 TN:3564400/DOFU:5/2021

Financial Professionals do not provide specific tax/legal advice and this information should not be considered as such.  You should always consult your tax/legal advisor regarding your own specific tax/legal situation.

The Importance of "Mind Sports” Like Chess

By Guest Blogger: Evan Rabin

During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of seniors around the world have been and remain isolated. For over a year, they have been unable to socialize with family and friends. While progress has been made ( I have personally received my second vaccine), most people I speak with do not anticipate the world returning to “normal” any time soon.  

Mentally challenging games, such as chess, can help older adults, or anyone for that matter, manage the stressors that the pandemic has thrust upon us. There are virtual platforms for learning and playing chess with real live people which allows for safe socialization. 

In addition to relieving stress and providing for social engagement, there are studies that show that “cognitively stimulating activities,” such as chess, which require a lot of brain power, can help improve a person’s memory and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6617066/  

About Evan:

Evan Rabin, a National Chess Master himself, is the founder and CEO of Premier Chess. If you would like to learn more about the social and health-related benefits of chess please contact Evan at Evan@PremierChess.com. Premier Chess (https://premierchess.com/) offers online and in-person individual lessons and group classes. Premier Chess partners with companies and non-profit organizations to help realize Evan’s dream that anybody who wants to play chess anywhere in the world should be able to do so.