At the Memory Clinic we had wanted to discuss a prevention programme but instead were given a virtual pat on the head and a pile of depressing leaflets about where to go for support. There was no hint of hope. By the time we left the clinic Nodge couldn’t remember the diagnosis (except that they’d confirmed that he’s bonkers). I was furious that professionals who work in the field are unfamiliar with solid information that brings hope. We had two days of deep depression and hopelessness then decided to take things into our own hands.
We went to the Alzheimer’s prevention charity Foodforthebrain.org and watched a 4 hour ‘masterclass’ by some of the world’s leading prevention professors. It was mind-blowing. Nodge did their free on-line Cognitive Function test, and questionnaire which works out your Dementia Risk Index and tells you what actions to take to reduce your risk. His score was 56% – it should be zero.
The test not only measures your actual cognitive function but shows you what is driving your risk across eight domains.
We were both horrified at the yellow and amber results and decided to act immediately to rectify each area as recommended by the COGNITION ‘brain upgrade’ programme that sends you emails to read, things to watch and actions to take. Now there are zoom groups and text reminders.
Nodge started taking the recommended B vitamin supplements and omega-3 fish oils, radically changed his diet, cutting out all sugar and refined carbs and added two tablespoons of Ketofast (C8 oil) a day. C8 is, a type of fatThere are many different types of fats; polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, hydrogenated, saturated and trans fat. The body requires good fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) in order to… from coconuts that the body turns into ketones. Ketones are an alternative fuel which brain cells prefer to glucose.
In just three months the change has been remarkable. We both feel better. Our moods are better, our energy is better. Honestly, I feel like I’ve got my husband back. I am so grateful to Food for the Brain.
Nodge has just repeated the online test at foodforthebrain.org. In just three months his cognitive Function has improved dramatically, more than doubling his score and his Dementia Risk Index has fallen from 56% to 43%. While before he had four out of eight domains showing red flags he’s now only got to just below green – active mind and body – but he’s working on them.
We have both increased our exercise massively, joined social groups to stimulate the mind and started going to bed earlier to get more sleep, all of which are known to help reduce dementia.
He’s joining conversations, he’s organising his own diary, he uses his computer without help, he’s taken himself back to Morris Dancing practice and taken himself to a Dementia support group so he can show them his recovery.
Nodge is also back in the garden. “I had completely forgotten how to garden, apart from making compost which I’m an expert at.” says Nodge “I had allotments for over 35 years so it was a shock.. Since I’ve been following the COGNITION programme I’ve had the seeds out, got the pots ready for planting and planned when and where things should go.”
“We couldn’t discuss plans for the week or for holidays without getting muddled and cross because I couldn’t hold the idea of something in the future in my head. Now my brain is functioning better we can, once again, plan together. It’s been really exciting. We’re looking forward to getting increased improvements.”
Now we know Dementia is preventable, I’m sticking to the programme too. We look forward to a healthy old age together – sound of mind and fit of body!
Dorothy & Nodge, Worthing
Further Information
See more about Food for the Brain’s COGNITION programme.
Find out about Food for the Brain Foundation.
See HOLFORDirect for supplements to support optimal brain and body health such as Ketofast, Connect, Brain Food and Essential Omegas.
Comments
Join the Conversation on our Facebook Page