TheBridges
The Bridges at Ankeny * 3510 NW Abilene Rd. Ankeny, IA 50023 *515-963-9815
/

Dementia Rates Might Be Declining, New Study Finds

Rates of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia appear to have fallen considerably since 2000, and better education may be partly responsible. Better treatment for diabetes and cardiovascular disease may also be helping.
Dr. Kenneth Langa of the University of Michigan and colleagues studied records from 21,000 people with an average age of 75. While 11.6 percent of Americans aged 65 and older had dementia, based on standardized tests, the rate fell to 8.8 percent in 2012.
"More years of education was associated with a lower risk for dementia, and average years of education increased significantly," they wrote. "Rising levels of education among U.S. adults over the past 25 years may also have contributed to decreased dementia risk."
"Our study, along with prior studies, supports the notion that 'cognitive reserve' resulting from early life and lifelong education and cognitive stimulation may be a potent strategy for the primary prevention of dementia in both high- and low-income countries around the world," they wrote.
And while obesity, a lack of exercise and poor diet can all raise the risk of Alzheimer's, rates went down as more people got heavier, developed high blood pressure and diabetes, Langa's team found. More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association says more than 28 million baby boomers will develop the disease between now and 2050, and the cost of caring for them will consume nearly 25 percent of Medicare spending in 2040.
Research has shown that increased physical activity, eating a heart-healthy diet, social engagement and keeping the brain active with puzzles or games can help prevent Alzheimer's or at least delay it, and a whole industry has arisen out of that research, with mixed success.
"Although these recent findings indicate that a person's risk of dementia at any given age may be decreasing slightly, it should be noted that the total number of Americans with Alzheimer's and other dementias is expected to continue to increase dramatically."
Nonetheless, it's welcome news in an aging world. There is no cure for dementia, and trials of various treatments have been far from successful. It's not clear what better education does, but experts note there may be several effects. Better-educated people may have a better ability to adapt to the lost brain function caused by dementia; they may be healthier in general; and they may have better medical care.
People who are underweight had a higher-than-usual risk of dementia, the team found. It's possible that weight loss is an early symptom of dementia. Dementia can affect the sense of taste and smell and may cause people to eat far too little.
By Maggie Fox

The Games People Play
Whether your pleasure is cards, board games, or video games, any type of gaming is perfect this winter. However, at the first celebration of the games season, on December 20, 1975, in London, England, the games being played were miniaturized role-playing games similar to Dungeons & Dragons.
The original purpose for games season was to establish a convention to accommodate the players. Back in 1975, there weren’t many opportunities for gamers to convene, and organizers hoped a special season would help gaming culture progress. The venture proved so successful that games season continued for decades. Soon attendees weren’t just playing games but getting sneak previews, attending presentations, and participating in contests and art projects. Today, it has been transformed into a more general games season, and gamers of all ages are encouraged to play their favorite games, whatever they may be.
Since its invention in sixth century India, chess has never lost its luster as the world’s most popular game. It is still one of the most dramatic global contests of intellect. When it comes to cards, poker may get all the press, but contract bridge reigns supreme. The World Bridge Federation boasts 700,000 members worldwide and governs all worldwide competition.
Many people think of Monopoly when they think of board games, but new games are gaining popularity. In Settlers of Catan, players build settlements while negotiating limited resources. For Ticket to Ride,players must establish the longest train routes and connect distant cities. Bang is a spaghetti western card game that requires surviving a shootout. With so many gaming options, maximize your gaming choices!
/
Tips to handle and avoid holiday stress
1. Unplug One Day a Week – Turn off those electronics and read a book instead.
2. Force Yourself to Slow Down – Take time for that something you have been wanting to do.
3. Discover the Joys of Small Things – Do something that makes you happy.
4. Give – Sponsor a family, bring goodies to law enforcement, or nearby facility
5. Reduce – Go for quality over quantity of things.
6.Get Some Exercise – Help yourself by lowering stress
7. Learn to Say “No” – You don’t have to attend everything!
8. Have Realistic Expectations – Make the Holidays what you want them to be. Keep it simple!
9. Don’t Over Indulge – Don’t feel guilty about your choices.
*Yes, we need to enjoy the holidays. But don’t go overboard.
Winter is here!
With the weather about to get cold, icy and snowy, we want to remind you of some winter safety tips.
  • Entryways can be very dangerous and slippery. Anti-skid shoes are helpful.
  • Take your time going to and from places.
  • Use handrails and wipe your feet to avoid falling.
  • Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing are perfect.