Developing an Autopilot Brain

When people ask us, "How likely is it that I'll get dementia?" we find they really mean, "Can the ravages of dementia be avoided?"

This month's Health Tip is directed toward those who fear a memory loss diagnosis in the years ahead. While we can't tell you how to prevent dementia-related issues, we can tell you how to prepare to enjoy a good quality of life even if you face memory loss someday.

Memory loss frightens most of us. But there is a simple preventive measure any of us can take that can minimize the ravages of dementia: Routine.

For people who struggle with memory loss, everything that hasn't been put on autopilot becomes difficult. By considering all the things that you'll want to include in your routine, both daily and weekly, you can develop an autopilot brain.

Here are some ideas how you can develop this powerful tool.

1. Stay close with any friends who are experiencing memory loss. It can be so easy to allow the uncertainty of where your relationship stands to allow for some distance—please don't. Your relationship will change, but your friend needs you. And you need them.

2. Study differences you see in your friend as things progress. Be brave; it can be scary because it's a reminder how fragile things like life and cognition are. Acceptance of your friend will fuel courage, which will strengthen your health.

3. Pay attention to your friend's routine. For people suffering from memory loss, routine can play a huge factor in whether a person is disoriented or is at least able to feel secure in their daily activities. 

How Routines Help

With a routine, we can program our future selves by right now preparing the kind of routine that would serve us well deep into dementia.

Incorporating this rhythm into our lives can go far to prevent a host of disorienting handicaps.

It works by, using our observances from our times with our friend who suffers from dementia, creating habits that will already be established when they are needed. For example:

STRENGTH. We will need to be physically strong to avoid falling and all the extra problems associated with hospitalization and excess medication. So some sort of doable physical exercise needs to be built into our daily routine. 

LAUGHTER. Practice doing fun things that make you laugh. You'll want to be a happy person, not an angry one, when you're weak. So get in the habit of laughing and hanging around people that make you laugh. 

SUNSHINE. Early morning (before 10am) sunshine can prevent insomnia. This is SO important, especially when dealing with dementia. A good night's sleep makes for a sunny disposition and prevents depression, cancer, disorientation and pain. So try to build in your routine an early rise even if you're a night owl—down the road you'll need it. 

HYGIENE. So many people who experience memory loss struggle with hygiene as things progress. Things like eyesight and physical weakness can make getting into a tub or shower difficult, so as much as possible, simplify and adapt your routine so that one day when your eyesight is poor and your strength is gone, these activities remain familiar and as accessible as possible. That means the time to get an easy-access shower is long before you need it. Aim to always shower or bathe in the same routine to make it automatic when memory fails.

Adopting a routine focused on strength, laughter, early morning sunshine and hygiene will go far in preventing the worst of the dementia related problems, and they might just help you become the kind of dementia-diagnosed friend that makes all your brave friends not so scared of the future themselves. 

If you need any help implementing a routine, please reach out to us at Cura for Care. We love helping families develop Safe Home strategies, and we'd be happy to provide a free, no-obligation consultation. Just call us a 615-522-5265 or email mpaz@curaforcare.com.

YOUR TURN. Reply in the comment section:

What other proactive measures could help those facing a memory loss diagnosis in the future?