Exercise keeps the brain healthy.

Duh! maybe that explains a lot

Not totally. Many people think that using the brain itself – puzzles, quizzes, sudoku, crosswords, etc. – help to keep the brain healthy. This research suggests that it has no effect at all. And while we are probably all aware that exercise helps to keep all the body healthy, I, for one, was not aware of its effects on the little grey cells.

Letter in today's post. On Tuesday 6th November, a lady from the Dementia Team is to visit me and give me the once-over. Watch this space!

Absolutely absent
Soop why, have I missed something re yr memory?

JessM Once upon a time, I earned a living as a proof reader. Recently, I've begun to lose the drift of conversations. I cannot concentrate when reading an article/instructions/book. My mind wanders alarmingly at times. I find it difficult to express myself and sit staring at the computer screen, lost for words. I told my GP of my fears. He also noted that my right arm has lost much of its strength and my right leg is weak [I appear to drag my foot.] He gave me a thorough check up. I explained that I feared dementia. He said, you were right to come to me, and added that he suspected I'd had a mini stroke. I'm unconconvinced, 'though he maintains that I would not necessarily be aware of having had one. Anyway, he has referred me to the Dementia Team for an assessment. After which, I may have a brain scan.

soop Sounds more like a mini stroke than dementia, but, of course, I am no expert. I understand lots of people don't realise that they have had one. Whatever, I hope you are both reassured and helped. You struck me as a very bright and sparkly lady when we met in Glasgow.

Oh what a nuisance for you soop - hope the person is good.

Thank you.

soop good luck with that, it does sound more like a mini stroke. You sound very on the ball to me.

Soop - we are all rooting for you.

soop Good luck!

I can't believe you have dementia - it's a worry that's always there for me when I forget what I was going to do next , but you seemed to be firing on all cylinders at the Edinburgh meet. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine

soop, sorry to hear your news. I hope they look after you well.

On the subject of exercise, I suppose moving around fairly vigorously every so often is going to help your circulation, and that in turn will keep all parts of your body in better condition, including your brain. I'm tempted to say, "what's new? "

Thank you for your kind messages. I've just pedalled like a demon on the exercise bike. Dismounting made me go all wooly-legged. Hope that my efforts benefit my brain in some small way.

That's so good soop. You keep that up. But don't overdo it. Perhaps every other day? Have you been to the strength clinic yet?

DH had a 'silent stroke' we know not when. It was only discovered after a brain scan.. His young GP (I have lipsticks older than him!) was very clued in and has 'initiated severel strategies to minimilise the risk of future attacks' (his words not mine). He's also told him to lose some weight and cut down on carbs.and take more exercise. He's done all that was asked and followed all advice religiously and so far, his memory seems much improved.
Hope all goes well for you too.

www.health.harvard.edu/blog/silent-strokes-can-jeopardize-memory-201206044846

Thanks, Jings...I pedal for 15 mins max every day. I'm still waiting for an appointment to attend the strength clinic. I hope to goodness that it isn't located in Oban [130 miles round trip]...we seem to spend a heck of an amount of time traipsing back and forth betwixt hospitals. Having said that, I'm VERY grateful for the NHS.

Thank you, Jodi I'll take a look.

15 minutes a day sounds just right. Really good.

No. Hope it's not that far. (you must tell us what it turns out to be though. I am really curious)

Me too, Jings I'm wondering whether or not I shall need a leopard-lurex-leotard.

Well you definitely will. Sorry.

I've just done quarter of on hour on my ex bike too. Think that's probably better daily than the half hour I usually put myself through twice a week. Legs wobbly. And sweating! (and I've already had my bath. I will have to just air off)

titter!

Just hate Sudokus and any kind of 'brain' exercise of the genre. So probably go gaga soon. I keep my brain active by being involved in the community, reading, etc. I really am not sure it makes any difference in the end- genetics seem much more important factors.

Good luck with the checkover, soop. Will be thinking of you specially on Tuesday