Memory and Aging

You know, my greatest fear is losing my mind. I abused the brain cells for about two decades, but have spent the last two decades sober, clean, eating healthy (I'm on probiotics now!). I'm teaching memory tricks in one class, and Alzheimer's in another -- and reading lots and lots, and panicking. I didn't eat enough blueberries! I can't get enough Vitamin E (because it gives me acne). I don't get enough exercise, and there's very little weight-bearing in the winter. I hate Soduko. Am I doomed?

The research is still coming in but it's pretty conclusive: yes, I can do lots and lots to repair my brain and exercise my memory. And I could find out (for a fee) if I have the genes that will make it more likely (not "definite") that I may get one of the memory-impairing diseases. Would I want to know that statistical probabilities? What would I do with the information, if I was told at age 50 that I would be a veg by age 80? What difference would that make in my life?

I'm not sure I have time to come up with any answers. I have trouble remembering what day it is! And, that trouble is all of my own making: I work "too much" and I have "too many" thoughts in my head -- like the recent request for ideas from the Diversity in Education committee at school............ and the overflowing ironing basket............ and the need to transplant the single squash plant that is growing in the potting room...............

If I can figure out how to attach a file to this blog, I'll give you the National Geographic article on memory from last year. It tells a few stories of people -- and suggests that losing your mind, when you have lost enough to not know anymore that you are losing it, can make you happier --- and it summarizes the recent research.

Gotta go -- there's some almonds downstairs and I'm having sardines for lunch!