Hi, Rose.  Best Practices are lifestyle habits introduced to us by Mimi S years ago.  These practices help us function better and prolong the early stages.  I have found them to be very beneficial in my own case.

The problem is, people will tell you that there is no treatment for dementia.  It's true that there is no CURE for dementia, but there is TREATMENT.  Treatment is everything we do for ourselves.  We do what works for us.

The webpage May provided is great.  In summary, Best Practices call for:

--taking medications as prescribed, which usually are a cholinesterase inhibitor, such as Aricept or Exelon patch, and Namenda

--eating the Mediterranean diet, which includes antioxidants in the form of fruits and vegetables, omega 3 fats from fish, also eating nuts, olive oil, and less meat.  Red wine is part of the diet if desired.

--exercising vigorously, to get your heart rate up

--continuing to stimulate your brain by learning new things and engaging in activities

--continuing to socialize.

We also get good sleep, avoid stress, and use alternative/complimentary treatments such as aromatherapy as desired.

This message board is the only place I have been given any hope of treatment to help myself.  I am so glad I came here, and met Mimi S.  Do the best you can.  I am doing better than I was doing in 2009, when I first joined this board.

Iris L.

Thank you Iris. However Best Practices are not my invention. I have read about them.

 Re exercise: recent research has shown that vigorous exercise builds new brain cells in the hypocampus, which if I remember correctly is the part of the brain responsible for memory. 

Early on I read that each of the five activities are good individually. Doing more than one increases the effect, not additionally but in a multiplying fashion. So do what you can and do understand why so many of us on these boards who are vigorous about following all are doing so well.

Socializing can be difficult. For me, large and/or noisy groups are out. However, good conversation with two or three people is wonderful and fits the bill.

Under cognitive exercise, aim for a variety of activities. We can tell when our brains are being worked. 

Do ask further. 

Mimi, I realize that you did not invent Best Practices.  But, to my knowledge, you are the person whom I first heard mention Best Practices.  And you are the one who most promotes Best Practices.  You let everyone know about Best Practices, on our patient boards and on the caregiver boards.  

I would not be where I am today without your promoting and reminding about Best Practices.  Thank you, Mimi!

Iris L.

Thanks, iris.

Like you, I get so upset when folks are advised not to even bother getting diagnosed since nothing can be done anyway.

We are doing our best to give a different side.

The bracelet always on my wrist says: a reason to hope.