Protecting My Mind From the Fate of My Grandmother's

My grandfather, my father and both of my father's sisters had Alzheimer's...it was awful for us to watch and interact with. My only sibling and I (I'm 65, she's 72) live in terror of being the next one to come down with it. My grandfather was completely out of it by age 59 or so; my dad started showing signs at that age,but lasted at home until about age 68, when my mother finally relented and put him in a nursing home because he kept trying to walk out of their apart ment naked. He died at 72. The fact that my sister and I are both OK at later ages is encouraging, but....we try to keep busy, keep our minds active. I find that a diet high in vegetables makes me feel generally healthier, especially if I cut out acidic foods such as sodas and coffee. Whether that will help in the long run, who knows? I certainly may not. But with such a family history, every small episode turns into a scary could-be. It's like waiting for the hand of god to strike you down.

Judy of FL 1:07PM March 19, 2008