| Updated: 5/31/05 |
OTHER MEDICAL INFORMATION P-2 |
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their chronic illness were more likely to read and study their illness. 2) Look out for depression. People with chronic illnesses will often get depressed at some point in their illness. The sooner you recognize depression and treat it usually feel better because depression aggravates their chronic condition. 3) Partner with your doctor. This is more easily said than done because of the limited you get to really spend with your doctor. (See "Being a Good Patient" in the Management Section.) However, if you have done your homework sufficiently to honestly discuss selected treatments with your doctor the better off you are. If you have a problem creating a working relationship with you doctor, you should consider finding a new doctor. 4) Take action quickly on recommended lifestyle changes and/or medication. 5) Managing a chronic illness requires challenging changes in diet, exercise, and other daily activities. You need to seek and get support from family members and friends. Try to forgive some of those who withhold their support. Often, the only reason is that they just don't know what to do and feel uncomfortable with chronic illnesses,
M.D. basically concerning forgetfulness and Alzheimer's Research. However, we feel some of this information will help people with CFS. We all lose a little of our memory as we age. Our basic philosophy "use it or lose it" is our formula for keeping you mind as sharp as possible. The following specifics may also prove useful. • Treat high blood pressure. Over time, hypertension can damage brain cells and trigger transient ischemic attacks—ministrokes that may impair memory. Keeping blood pressure controlled (120/80 mm Hg or less is the goal) maximizes blood flow to the heart and brain. High blood pressure has to be watched for heart attacks as well. • Eat right. A balanced diet that contains low-fat dairy products and nine servings daily of fruits and vegetables can improve alertness and energy. Foods rich in omega- 3 fats (especially wild salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseed) may be particularly beneficial for brain function. For increased protection from free radicals (molecules that are thought to contribute to the aging process), consider taking 400 IU to 1,000 IU of natural vitamin E daily. If you have a blood-clotting problem, be sure to speak to your physician first—doses in excess of 800 IU daily have been reported to increase the risk of bleeding. • Exercise. Better fitness translates into better cognitive function. Regular aerobic exercise seems to maintain brain cells and to encourage the growth of new neurons. Exercise also helps optimize blood pressure and increases an important brain protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Remember to stay comfortably within your ability range as mentioned in CFS Management. Drink only in moderation. Moderate alcohol consumption (no more than about 4 oz of wine, 1 oz of spiritsits, or 10 oz of beer daily) may lower the risk of severe memory loss. However, studies have found that people who drink excessively—more than four drinks daily—were 1.5 times more likely to develop both normal memory problems and dementia. Again, people with CFS MUST watch alcohol consumption period. If it bothers your illness, don't do it. • Check your medicine cabinet. Many common prescription medications can impair memory. If you regregularly take drugs for ulcers, pain, depression, anxiety, hypertension, Atkinson's disease, a thyroid condition, or any other medical problem and have noticed a decline in memory function, speak to your physician about the possibility of adjusting your regimen in some way. • Practice good sleep hygiene. Sleep deprivation stresses the brain, which can affect your ability to concentrate, to learn, and to recall information. We know that this is a tough one for PWS (see CFS Management), but do the best you can. Remember, improved sleep helps our illness. • Stay mentally active. People who regularly seek intellectual challenges generate more synapses between brain cells in the hippo campus (the part of the brain essential for consolidating immediate thoughts and impressions into longer- lasting memories). Learn a new language (if you can), play chess, take a class, practice the piano read, etc Studies show that reading is one of the best brain stimulants, while watching television is far less effective. Protect your head from falls. Maintain your sense of balance, eliminate household tripping hazards, and wear protective headgear for active sports. Studies have reported that people who have suffered severe head trauma were more likely to develop AD and other forms of dementia.
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