Best Bites

By Taylor Kurosad

June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disorder of the brain that causes dementia, a degeneration of mental functions that ultimately results in memory loss and confusion.

About four million people in the U.S. have the disease and it is the most common cause of dementia. Being a caregiver for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another degenerative brain disorder can be challenging. Understanding the person with the disease is a good place to start.

Being knowledgeable about the reasons behind a patient’s actions can help the caregiver. People living with Alzheimer’s may have severe anxiety about daily life which might be reflected through the repetition of questions. They may be agitated and unable to control their feelings, anger, or actions. Other common changes include paranoia, acting uninterested, and wandering away from home.

Here are coping strategies for caregivers that the National Institute on Aging suggests:

Miscommunication will be frequent; expecting and accepting this is vital.

Help ease communication challenges by being very clear and simple when speaking.

Promote a positive environment with continuing conversations about the past and about people who are familiar and enjoyable.

Containing your frustration is important, so if you get discouraged, take a few deep breaths and count to 10. When more challenging situations arise, consult a doctor about treatment and coping approaches.

Learn more about Alzheimer’s and coping strategies at:

National Institute on Aging

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/ managing-personality-and-behaviorchanges-alzheimers

UCSF Health

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/ education/coping-strategies-foralzheimers-disease-caregivers

Alzheimer’s Association

https://www.alz.org/

Tasty Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps

These lettuce wraps use lettuce leaves in place of bread. Try bibb lettuce, iceberg, or romaine leaves.

2 medium chopped bell peppers 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 3 cloves chopped garlic 1 lb. ground turkey 2 Tbsp. fish sauce ¼ cup chopped cilantro 3 Tbsp. lime juice

Lettuce cups and hot sauce to taste

In a pan, cook the bell peppers in vegetable oil for 3 minutes on medium-high and then add garlic.

Add ground turkey and fish sauce and cook for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat.

Add cilantro and lime juice. Serve in lettuce cups.

Nutrition Facts: 250 calories, 24g protein. 8g carbohydrates, 2g fiber

HEALTH TRIVIA

Q: What is the best thing to drink to keep you hydrated?

A: Water

“Every year should teach you something valuable; whether you get the lesson is up to you. Every year brings you closer to expressing your whole and healed self.”

~Oprah Winfrey

FOOD ITEM OF THE MONTH Cherries

One cup of pitted cherries has: 97 calories 25g carbohydrates 20g sugar 2g protein

Benefits: Cherries are full of antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory effects, and help fight off chronic illnesses. Cherries are also one of the few foods that contain melatonin which is a hormone that help you sleep.