Occasionally, I relax by reading the popular press to see what type of health information the general public might be ingesting. The reading is usually simple and not interrupted every few sentences by a string of references supporting each statement as seen in professional literature. In magazines and newspapers, authors will cite results from studies but not identify any specifics about the source. If you are inquisitive and like to dig deep, however, you can find that classified information.
What are our patients reading?
I came across an interesting article in USA Weekend magazine called, "Save your brain".1 The author Jean Carper wrote the book 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss. In the article, she highlighted the 10 strategies she found most surprising. These enlightening "data" were very interesting to me because patients often come into the office asking about the validity of such recommendations when they hear of them.
Several of the 10 strategies are familiar to NPs; we routinely encourage patients to floss their teeth, meditate regularly, take vitamin D, protect the head from injury, and avoid infection. Scientific studies have demonstrated a link between periodontal disease and general health as well as specific disease states such as diabetes; so flossing is good. Meditation re-channels energy and improves general well-being. Can we then deduce that it improves blood flow and memory? Vitamin D is important in maintaining normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body to build strong bones, so it should be added to the list. Helmet laws protect people when riding bicycles so NPs and other professionals in health and public arenas offer tips on staying safe at home and in their daily lives. NPs constantly remind patients that proper handwashing practices will help them avoid infection and a weakened immune system, and thus, they will be healthier.
The other five strategies are not entirely foreign but perhaps are not prescribed as systematically for patients: drink coffee (3 to 5 cups per day), Google online, "grow" new brain cells, drink 16 oz of apple juice or eat three apples daily; and "fill your brain" with life experiences. NPs usually advise the opposite. Patients are often told to reduce caffeine intake. What is the tradeoff-a clear mind or a racing heartbeat? Surfing the web does open new worlds. You can become a child again and perk up your natural instinct of discovery. Is it possible to grow new brain cells? The author states the evidence weighs heavily on the benefits of behaviors such as eating salmon and other fatty fish and avoiding sleep deprivation. Remember the old adage, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away?" Enough said!! And finally, leading a rich life offers a wealth of experiences to remember and to continue to enjoy, which feeds the brain and clears out the "plaques and tangles" that might lead to memory loss.
Understand the patient's point of view
Notice that I have supported nothing written here with scientific evidence. You must investigate Jean Carper's strategies for yourself. I am curious about the other 90 strategies and what else I might do to keep my mind alert. Add a little common sense and the information is probably accurate. Reading what our patients are reading brings us closer to understanding their perspectives on the meaning of health information from different sources and the importance of the guidance they entrust us to provide. I like to relax my mind once in a while with the less-complicated explanations. After all, what good is evidence if it cannot be understood by those it is supposed to benefit?
Jamesetta Newland, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP
Editor-in-Chief [email protected]
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