Let's Prevent Alzheimer's Together! Brain Health Program (Dr. Hemang Shah)

 

Visiting my neurologist, Dr. Hemang Shah, at the Duke Kernodle Clinic for treatment of migraines and other neurological issues I have had, I learned about his passion for total brain health and especially the prevention of Alzheimer's and other dementia conditions. 

My dear husband had a form of dementia in his final years; and even though it was not as profound as so many dear people suffer, it is a despairing condition for those with any form of dementia and for their loved ones who witness the decline into their dark world and who care for them during that period of sadness.

Dr. Shah is working to educate and aid in prevention - Yes!, I said prevention of Alzheimer's. He has prepared an abundance of YouTube videos, and you can find them at: Brain Health Program on YouTube.

Some initial "take-aways"

Lifestyle medicine pillars

• Whole food, plant based diet
• Exercise
• Restorative sleep
• Stress Management
• Avoiding risky behaviors
• Social connectivity

Visiting Dr. Hemang Shah's YouTube Channel gives you free access to his posted lectures, speaking engagements, and informative videos on the subject of brain health. 

Recommendation: I know Dr. Hemang Shah, and he has been my neurologist for several years. He was also my husband's neurologist. He is a caring individual and passionate about brain health, caring for his patients, and pain management for neurological problems. 

Who is Dr. Hemanh Shah? Dr. Shah is a clinical faculty with Duke Health in NC. The Brain Health Program is Dr. Hemang Shah's individual project. This program is not affiliated with or sponsored by Duke University or any related entities. The views expressed in this video are his own and do not represent those of Duke University or Duke Health. Dr. Shah at Duke

Brain Health Program: Dr. Hemang Shah and his team are passionate about your Brain Health. He believes lifestyle medicine pillars such as whole food plant-based diet, exercise, restorative sleep, stress management, avoiding risky behaviors, and social connections should be part of preventing and treating all neurological disorders. Visit the Brain Health Program website to learn more about the program and how to join it.

Disclaimer: The information in this channel is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. He is a licensed physician, but the content shared here should not be considered a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical concerns or questions. Dr. Shah is a clinical faculty with Duke Health in NC. The Brain Health Program is Dr. Hemang Shah's individual project. This program is not affiliated with or sponsored by Duke University or any related entities. The views expressed in this video are his own and do not represent those of Duke University or Duke Health.

If My Moon Was Your Sun by Andreas Steinhöfel with CD audiobook and music by Georges Bizet (Composer)

I found this book a delight to listen to its being read with the lovely musical interludes throughout. Exceptionally well done!

My thoughts: I found the concept of a listen-along-CD and a lovely book for ages 8 to 12 quite appealing. The listen-along and book combo is usually reserved for the younger child. To further enhance the intriguing concept for ages 8 to 12 they have added interludes of classical music that punctuates the "chapters." This is a superb opportunity to allow the introduction of classical music into the story time for this age.

The music is beautiful and it connsists of the work of composers Sergi Prokofiev and Georges Bizet. The story is beautifully read and is a translation from the German of a beautiful story. Descriptive phrases and lyric style are well done. A pleasure to listen to it being read or to read oneself.

Grandfather has dementia and is in a home with locked doors and Max wants a day out with his grandfather. So an escape from the confines of the nursing home is executed seamlessly by Max and Grandfather with an older lady slipping out with them. And so  they go on their adventure with fun, laughs, and love. As day closes and the moon comes out Max and Grandfather are talking about the moon and the sun and how they revolve. Then Grandfather says, "Who are you?"

Max knows his Grandfather has times of not remembering which is the reason he lives in the "home." Though sadded about his Grandfather's condition, Max wants to help his Grandfather.

The story is beautiful showing the love between a grandson and his grandfather. It is beautifully written in flowing style and with grace and sensitivity. The story can be used to help children understand dementia and how it devastates. Often young children see the effects of dementia on someone they love and don't understand it. This lovely story could help.

On a negative note, while I completely understand this is fiction, it does raise issues. First, a nine-year-old child shouldn't go wandering off across town on his or her own without an adult even having knowledge of his excursion. Secondly, the locks on nursing homes are there for the safety of the residents; and for the dementia resident to leave without a responsible adult is simply asking for trouble and most likely unlawful. Of course, when reading stories like Red Riding Hood we have a little girl traipsing through the deep dark forest unaccompanied, so unattended children on excursions are not new to the literature world. Neither is stretching the law a bit. I did want to point out my concerns about the story while extolling its gentle beauty and wonderful presentation with book and audio.

DISCLOSURE: I received a copy through the Librarything.com Early Reviewers program. Opinions are my own and freely given.