New Research on Mild Cognitive Impairment

On September 7, 2010, the National Institute of Health reported that older men may be at greater risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than older women.

MCI is often a precursor to Alzheimer's Disease.

The results of a study of almost 2,000 men and women indicated that:

1. MCI was more prevalent in men than women.

2. Most of those affected by MCI were much more likely to have a form of MCI referred to as amnestic MCI.

3. MCI was higher among seniors with the APOE e4 gene. This gene is a known risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's Disease.

4. MCI is prevalent more with those who have attended fewer years of schooling.

5. MCI is higher in never-married people.

Information taken from MedlinePlus, health information from the National Library of Medicine

For more on MCI, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Jogging Your Memory

In my mind's eye, I pictured the honey bee diligently cramming each cell to the brim. However, with each successive expedition, the worker packed the cubicle with imperceptibly less nectar than the time before.  Only after years of this repetition did it become obvious that the cubicle was reflecting what was happening day after day before my eyes.

Similarly, I see lapses in my own memory.  Once I was able to remember volumes of information which filled enough test booklets to earn me high grades.  

Now I have trouble remembering names, data, and things to do.  

Dad always said, " Don't try to remember something that you can write down." He might have been content with some senior sites jam-packed with handy checklists.

I play games to jump start my memory.  I may sift through the alphabet to see which letter generates a familiar connection with the forgotten name or face.  

  

Fay has another way of remembering.  She has 2 Roll-a-dexes, one by last name and one for profession or trade.  All her doctors are bunched together.  So are her handymen and service people. 

What games or tools do you use to replenish those partially-filled brain cells?