Fight Alzheimer’s By Finding Purpose

Finding purpose in life is its own reward, no doubt. But, it may also help ward off Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, according to a report in the March issue of Archives of General Psychiatry Patricia A. Boyle, Ph.D. and colleagues at Rush University Medical Center, in Chicago, studied more than 900 older individuals without dementia, all participants in the Rush Memory and Aging Project.

Participants' purpose in life was measured by their level of agreement with statements such as, "I feel good when I think of what I have done in the past and what I hope to do in the future" and "I have a sense of direction and purpose in life." After an average of four years and a maximum of seven years of annual follow-up evaluations, 155 of 951 participants (16.3 percent) developed Alzheimer's disease. After controlling for other related variables, greater purpose in life was associated with a substantially reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as well as a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment and a slower rate of cognitive decline.

Specifically, individuals with a score of 4.2 out of 5 (90th percentile) on the purpose in life measure were approximately 2.4 times more likely to remain free of Alzheimer's disease than individuals with a score of 3.0 (10th percentile). The biological basis of the association is unknown, but may result from the positive effects purpose of life is reported to have on immune function and blood vessel health, the authors suggest.

The result may have public health implications. "In particular, these findings may provide a new treatment target for interventions aimed at enhancing health and well-being in older adults. Purpose in life is a potentially modifiable factor that may be increased via specific behavioral strategies that help older persons identify personally meaningful activities and engage in goal-directed behaviors," the authors continue. "Even small behavioral modifications ultimately may translate into an increased sense of intentionality, usefulness and relevance."

Last year, Rush researchers, headed by Dr. Boyle, found that possessing a greater purpose in life is associated with lower mortality rates among older adults.

"Alzheimer's disease is one of the most dreaded consequences of aging, and the identification of modifiable factors associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease is a top public health priority for the 21st century, particularly given the large and rapidly increasing aging population," the authors write as background information in the article. Relatively few of these risk factors have been identified, but data suggest that some psychological factors—including conscientiousness, extraversion and neuroticism—may be associated with Alzheimer's disease risk. - Third Age

Senior Fitness: The Secret to Healthy Aging

By Victor R. Martinez

EL PASO, Texas --  You may be over 50, but that doesn't mean that you can't be as healthy as you were at 20. There are millions of seniors across America who have embraced senior exercise and achieved a level of senior fitness that we've never seen in previous generations. These inspiring people can teach us all a thing or two about healthy aging.

Ignacio Cano is one of them. He runs between 20 to 25 miles a week and works out three or four days in the gym.

He has participated in more than 170 races including the Racefor the Cure and the TransMountain Challenge 20K Run.

Cano doesn't run just recreationally; he runs to win, and he does it well. A roomful of medals is a testament to his success.

By the way, Cano is 78 years old and didn't start running until he was 66.

From the Los Angeles Marathon to road races in Chihuahua City, Texas, Cano has worn out a lot of running shoes.

"After working all my life, I retired and I had nothing to do," Cano said. "Sitting home not doing anything made me go crazy. I worked around the house, but you can only do so much, so I took up running and it's been very, very good for me."

Cano, who has participated in the El Paso Senior Games for the past 10 years, will be inducted into the Senior Games Hall of Fame in April, along with Irene Araiza.

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Sleep Soundly During Menopause

Getting a good night's sleep on a regular basis regenerates our body from head to toe, from hormones to neurotransmitters. Sleep is about as good as it gets for our bodies (yes, even better than sex!), but declining estrogen levels around the time of menopause can literally make sleep a hot commodity — if it's not night sweats, you're staring at the ceiling, wondering why you're tired but wide-awake.

Unfortunately, the sleeplessness experienced during menopause can create a vicious cycle: The less you sleep, the more moody, tense, and stressed you become, which leads to more insomnia. (As if you weren't going through enough!) Luckily, there are some ways to get your body the much-needed benefits of sleep — even when your hormones say otherwise. (If you try the following ideas and your inability to sleep persists, you should consult your doctor.)

First, look into passionflower, a well-known, all-natural relaxant. It's popular in Europe for its tranquil effects. Passionflower can be enjoyed as a tea or taken in capsule form. If you experience sweaty sleep due to hot flashes, wicking pajamas keep the moisture off your skin, leaving you dry and comfortable — and far more likely to catch a few z's.

Finally, practice good sleep hygiene — turn in at the same time every night, wind down with a cup of hot tea or milk, and enjoy a warm bath or shower and some deep breathing before bed. Also keep your bedroom cool and abstain from caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or exercise for at least a few hours before hitting the hay. You'll be snoozing in no time!  Dr. Laura Berman