Memory and Aging continuation…………

This weekend I was asked a question about how much therapy a person requires and if I follow Freud’s concepts? Those were two mouthful questions? People always ask me spontaneous questions and expect a 30 second response, normally with a figure. And I was going to write about that today since I think it requires an answer for many. However, I did promise I was going to continue with memory and aging this week so I shall honour that. However, I will have to remind myself that the above mentioned comes up quite a bit and so maybe I shall record it so that people if not happy with me not able to provide a figure considering that people are different etc…..I will make sense of it here. So back to today. I said I would tell you about Medical disorders and diseases that affect memory. I will refrain from repeating sources as you will see that in the previous blog. Many of you may be familiar with dementia which can be caused by various diseases including Alzheimer, vascular disease such as multiple stokes and Lewy body disease. Thyroid problems become more common with aging and that can cause memory difficulties. Treatment with thyroid medication can improve memory but may not bring it back completely (p 12, Memory and Aging program, refer to previous blog). Anxiety or depression may cause difficulty concentrating. Hormonal changes may also affect memory changes. Medication for medical problems can cause memory problems especially those treating depression, anxiety, high pressure, allergies and epilepsy. Though there are claims that certain medication can improve memory, “To date, there is no convincing evidence that these medications are helpful for healthy adults experiencing normal age-realted memory change.”p 13 What does affect your memory is diet. What can you do to improve your eating habits? Are you getting adequate vitamins and minerals? Follow the Canada’s food guide at www.hc-sc.gc.ca Exercise is also important and is associated with the growth of new brain cells in your hippocampus. Evidence to date also depicts that the greater your cognitive engagement, the greater your memory function. Activities such as reading “challenging books”, crossword puzzles, playing chess or bridge, attending lectures, going to the theatre, singing in the choir and playing a musical instrument is an example of this. Frequency (more than once a day) and variety is important as well(pp 14-18). I enjoyed this program. I was actually surprised at how much I actually use my brain everyday but was not surprised at how much I need to get serious regarding exercising and eating better. Since becoming a vegetarian I realize I have been eating too much processed foods. It is easy to buy veggie made products. So I have decided to see a dietitian. Yes siree. I also do not exercise sufficiently which is because I spend so much time reading and sitting. I don’t think my clients would appreciate me standing and dancing as I am working with them. However, I also am quite aware that I manage my time and I can incorporate what I advise. Balance in life is my motto with lots of fun thrown in. I did sign up for the theatre which I love. After leaving my health club because of their ridiculous rule about a faster swimmer being able to kick out a swimmer from a lane if they can swim faster still, and telling me that all of Toronto incorporates this, I have not seriously looked for another. They also have a community centre really close to me however they do not have showers. Personally, I don’t think it should be legal to have gym facilities without showers. I think that is a hygiene concern. So, it looks like I have to consider outside my community or simply dance and dance and dance. How active are you? Do you use your brain? Do you enjoy photography? That counts. Get your camera and go out there! There are so many ways to learn new things and I suppose reading this counts for one thing today which is not enough, especially if you already know all this. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. What do you think?

Memory and Aging

I had a total of 10 hour participation refreshing my memory on aging and memory at York University, Neurology Psychology department at BSB. I studied most of this in my undergrad within one lecture. However we never actually participated in anything we studied. It was all theory. I cannot talk about what we shared due to confidentiality which is too bad so sad because all was interesting. So I will stick to the facts which mainly is composed from our handout book, “A Practical Guide to Managing your Memory Memory and Aging” by Dr Angela Troyer in collaboration with others and the profs. We were informed that 2% of persons 65-74 have dementia; 11% from the 75-84 group. “Only 8% of Canadians 65 and older have dementia” (p 12). In earlier blogs I have written about memory and aging and I suggest you look that up because it is in detail from my undergrad notes. But I will keep this simple for a basic understanding. It was simple in the way it was explained to us which is a pleasant change since it stuck to my brain. I still remember that 5 Nov is when we move our clocks back and 2/3 of the population have never seen snow. Do I need to know that? There are three processes to memory which is encoding - getting information into memory. The second is Storage - keeping the information in memory and the last - Retrieval which is getting the information back out of memory when it is needed (p6). Difficulties in any of these three areas will interfere with memory. If you are not paying attention or distracted you may not be able to encode. If you used to know something and don’t anymore such as a password this is where storage is. Retrieval problems occur when you want to use a word you know but cannot retrieve it right away. Storage is affected the least by aging; retrieval the most (p7). to be continued next week. Sorry for the delays but it is summer and I have to get out there. Do you feel your memory has decreased? What have you done about it? Next week I will continue by briefly listing the medical disorders and diseases in association with memory. What do you think?

Starting Group Therapy list - update

Well it has been beautiful and with the nicer weather I like being out more. Last weekend I took advantage of Doors Open Toronto. We actually have a tv that belonged to Elvis Presley and one to Marilyn Monroe at Zoomers Radio and Tv museum. They also gave out free ice-cream and I do recommend a visit there. They offer daily tours at about 4pm, but I would check before going there. I did not get a tour because it would have meant waiting for an extra hour and I had already seen everything else. I was also at Scarborough water treatment plant and they told me that the water in Toronto is one of the cleanest. I believe it. Then I was out at the West end visiting a historical house. It was a fun weekend. I have one more two hour talk to listen to about aging and memory at York University and will like to write about that for you next week unless something more interesting comes around. I like going to York and love bumping into people I know. It never fails. I have been asked over and over again by different organizations and people if I could charge almost next to nothing and I simply cannot. My expenses are over the top and I keep myself educated, etc....... However, what I can do is begin group therapies for people who are interested in that. I suggest that anyone interested should either phone me or email me directly and let me know if they want to be on a list for group therapy. Also let me know if you are ok with being in a general group or being in a specific group. Of course I also need a list of dates and times availablity. I am willing to begin with three people and then grow to no more than six. It may be surpising how close you may become in groups. So let me know if you are interested. Sessions would be weekly for two months at a time. Everyone needs to compile the standard paperwork and what is shared in group needs to be kept confidential. I wish you all a lovely weekend. Go outside and get some sun and play. What do you think?

Heart felt prayers and sorrow for Manchester

It is a very sad day for Manchester. The youngest child killed is only eight years old. I normally do not make remarks when terrorism strikes because I realize they thrive on it. I also try to avoid politics. However, today I want to break that silence because that too can be victory. Last night while I watched the news I also felt sorry for the terrorists because I cannot imagine what it is like to be driven with so much hate. I have felt hatred near me and it was quite powerful. I cannot imagine how much hatred is fueled among themselves. This has nothing to do with the goodness of religion. This has all to do with darkness and evil. I believe that good is the majority and will prevail. Our children are our most precious. To all the families and survivors and citizens, you know the world cries with you. Silva

Available to see new clients.........More books to sell

I want to let you know that I am available to see new clients. My price has remained at 100. for a fifty minute session. I do accommodate people for payment. People have the option of paying what they can in their sessions and owing the rest without interest according to their own payment plan. Receipts are provided which can be claimed on Health Benefits section when you do your own income tax (Canada). I am with certain insurance and EAP programs however if I am not with the particular plan you have, you need to pay in advance and claim through your own insurance plans/EAP. Check to see if you are covered for seeing a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario. I do provide Telephone Counselling however some standard paperwork is required before hand. An appointment is also required. I have written books for fun which has nothing to do with my work. Writing is a hobby and I do sell them at www.silvaredigonda.com. I am presently re-assessing what is best for my practise and book selling. To connect with Canada Post I need a Canadian Company so I am presently researching my options. That's it for today. Enjoy your day.

Nice Long weekend

I did not look at my emails until this morning and that is quite an achievement. I am all caught up and I decided to write my weekly blog for you and then just take the rest of the day off to finish off the long weekend. Due to the ugly day outside, I have decided to stay home and spend it with my little family. Next weekend is Doors Open and I want to spend the better time of the weekend checking out what I have not seen yet. Last weekend I again went to Niagara Falls and the best part was sitting on a rock watching the roaring of the falls with my elderly war veteran buddy who is now 97. He is getting more frail after suffering a fall. I marvel at all the people who have come into my life only enhancing my appreciation for all I have and have known and continue to know. As you know by now, Niagara Falls is one of my loves and I continue to watch the market there for something I want. It has to be near the falls or clifton hill so I can continue to see people. Some like to escape people however, I thrive in the company of others. Being social is very important for people, however some do not know that. I also need a home office that would be accessable to all. I have never really worked from home aside from my writing so that would need a good security system. Still, the problem is that I frequent conferences, eduational institutions and etc and the best is right where I am. So, I continue to discern while watching the market. Friends is a no brainer. I have a work partner there I have known for years. I also know that people would love to come and visit and that is something I also need to consider. I would like to have a private area for guests. Yet, I do not want to become a slave to a home. Of course there is that dream of a pool. So, that is it. Throw in a sun room and nice porch I can grow old into and I am a happy camper. Aw, to dream! I am actually quite happy with my present life so it is always nice to just have fun. This weekend has been nice too. Yesterday I just chilled, watched movies, ate etc...with tiny family. Saturday I was on a retreat all day. It was rather long and I don't think I would repeat the day with only one speaker. I have seen him several times before and have bought and read his books but a full day is too much. I took notes during the morning session but in the afternoon he just related history with his personal views and I became confused with what could be superstitious. It is for that reason that I am not naming him since he is very popular and well known. What I also found quite annoying was that he was getting information from his cell phone. I think at least one course on how to use tools while lecturing would would be beneficial. I did buy a book by another author, by Fr Gabriele Amorth with Stefano Stimamiglio. Fr Gabriele is a renowned exorcist in Rome. I just finished reading a Paterson book which I believe was a movie that I had watched. I am taking a memory and aging program at York University for five weeks which is only several hours long once a week. I have three more weeks to go and then I will give you some tips. I studied this in undergrad and what was said in one lecture is being spread out to 10 hours. I keep forgetting what I take for granted as common knowledge is not for everyone and so need to be cautious of that. I am also making crafts once a week (when work permits) for a senior community centre which is sold with everything profiting the seniors. Now I am off to just play today and back to seriousness tomorrow - maybe. Have a nice week and if you ever have questions to ask, do not hesitate. What do you think?

Dr Brescia, Calvary Hospital, Bronx New York

I read almost everything that is mailed to my home and this magazine is one I get periodically from the Sisters of Life, Spring 2017 issue. I was so impressed with this article and so I am sharing it with you. Dr Michael J. Bresicia, is the Executive Medical Director and co-founder of Calvary Hospital. In the article Dr Bresicia indicates that before 1966, people with kidney failure lived from three weeks to three months. He joined the VA hospital in the Bronx because soldiers were returning from Vietnam dying from kidney disease. Dr Bresicia explains how one day feeling “desperate” since he had ten young veterans who were going to die. He was having lunch and there were two french fries lined up side by side on his plate. While taking a bite of his hamburger, a blog of ketchup falls perfectly between the two fries. It looked like a vein and an artery in the wrist. He wondered if ““I connect this vein and artery with a fistula, would this vein, and all the other veins, actually change and become like arteries.”” Dr Brescia realized that he would not only have one artery but 200 arteries and the patients could be kept on blood-cleansing machines indefinitely. He went upstairs, successfully did the fistula and 50 years they are still doing it. Dr Brescia confronted with a drug company interested in the procedure guaranteed financial success. It would be 60 billion today. However, the company wanted him silenced for one year and this would have caused the deaths of many. Dr Brescia who had consulted with his dad, took his advice. This procedure would be free to everyone who needed it. He gave it away. What impresses me most about Dr Bresica is his heart. In the article Dr Bresica speaks that emotional suffering can only be treated with love, by being present, contact by touching, holding and to say “I love you. I promise to never abandon you.” Dr Bresica reveals that 80% of their day at the hospital is spent with families. 6,000 patients a year are treated. No one after being there for 24 hours , asks for assisted suicide. This is a man of incredible faith. He states, ““When I enter a patient’s room, I always stop on the saddle of the door, and I pray…When someone is dying, you think that room is part of this earth? No! You are not in this world. You have entered the vestibule of heaven.” Dr Bresica shared his view of assistant dying. His response, ““ I don’t think we as a society, as a nation, can survive all this killing. You talk about the culture of death; assisted suicide is a slippery slope where it becomes easier and easier to kill. There are plenty of examples where we can cure people who are suffering from diseases that used to be fatal…” Dr Bresica was asked if there is any suffering that cannot be alleviate. His response: “At Calvary we have found that absolutely any pain and any symptom can be alleviated……”You can’t allow someone to lay there in agony.” There is more to read but I don’t want to re-type it all, so if you are interested I suggest you read about this further on your own. Since my first seminar on assistant dying and being barked at by a colleague who was all in favour of assistant dying, this has made me think and think. I remember in an undergrad course (which is somewhere to be read for the blog as I transfer all my notes for you to read) that I believe was during the Roman Empire, assistant killing was authorized. But this changed to becoming illegal when it was found that patients were being killed for their inheritance/money. How much has the culture of greed changed? I was very concerned here at home in Canada when this law came into effect. There has been much concern and debate. As I have worked with people, I have seen people at the brink of suicide who with therapy have later lead happy successful lives. I too believe that the entire person needs to be treated. Their spirituality and emotional needs as well as their physicality is all inter-wined. It is too bad that Cavalry Hospital is so far away because that is one place I would love to work at to learn from Dr Bresica along with a private practice which I love too much to give up. Have you struggled with a terrible physical ailment? Did you at any point want to give up? Would you have opted for assistant dying if it was legal? Do you feel the same now? What do you think?