Send to KindleA few months ago Science News featured a study in Hungary that found dogs have long-term memory. I could have saved them the money and the trouble. We had a male poodle named Macho who remembered the vet’s office from the parking lot, even though he hadn’t been there for six months. He dragged the leash the wrong way with his brakes on when I headed for the door.
Macho could detect the future from what happened in the past when I started gathering up towels and doggie shampoo. He’d head for the hills–a spot on the couch under a pillow or anywhere, in an attempt to keep from taking a bath.
I haven’t been around many animals, but I’ve seen chickens who could recall how to peck a certain place and receive food, and I’ve seen all sorts of critters, bugs and slimy things that have memory. Then why, when a human gets old will a word or a name he knows as well as his own escape him?
One day I couldn’t think of the word “pretzel.” I ransacked my brain going through the alphabet but it wouldn’t come. In the middle of the night I woke and there it was. I had it!
Pretzel! No longer was it that little squiggly thing we deep fry and sprinkle with salt or cinnamon and sugar.
Am I developing Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia? How could I tell? But I’ve heard if you can’t remember something important and you know it, you’re probably safe.
One blessing I’ve discovered is when your memory doesn’t work, being married helps. For instance, we take off in the car, and one of us might point and say, “Where are you going? It’s that way.” Or one of us might yell, “Look out!” and prevent an accident.
Sometimes it takes two of us to prepare a meal. But being married comes in handiest when we’re talking. We fill in the blanks for each other when the other person can’t think of a name or word.
When God created marriage, he said “Two shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
I’ve discovered when you’re senior citizens, it takes two to be one.
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In case you’re worried about your memory, emerging evidence from the Alzheimer’s Association suggests there are steps we can take to help keep our brain healthier as we age.
“Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells,” a spokesman said. The Association and Mayo Clinic Staff http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-disease/DS00161/DSECTION=prevention both say we may be able to lower Alzheimer’s disease risk by reducing heart disease. Important factors that also may be involved include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, excess weight and diabetes.
Mayo Clinic’s experts recommend those at high risk for dementia to engage in physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social engagement and a healthy diet. They also teach memory compensation strategies that help optimize daily function, even if brain changes progress.
Keeping active — physically, mentally and socially — may make your life more enjoyable and may also help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the experts add.
About the Author:
Ada Brownell, a devoted Bible student, has written for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a reporter for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colo. She also is a veteran youth Christian education teacher. After moving to Missouri in her retirement, she continues to write books, free lance for Sunday school papers, Christian magazines, write op-ed pieces for newspapers, and blogs with stick-to-your-soul encouragement. She is the author of six books. She is a member of Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers.
She and her husband have five children, one in heaven, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Blog: http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com/Stick-to-Your-Soul-Encouragement
Ada Brownell Amazon Author page http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06
