Forget What You Think You Know About Dementia

By Payton Freeman

Did you know that every minute someone in the US develops dementia? There are 1,440 minutes in a day. Yes, every day another 1400 people develop dementia; just in the US. Doctors believe by 2030, this number will decrease to every 30 seconds. I don't know about you, but this terrifies the heck out of me. If you have ever had to stand by helplessly and watch your loved ones slip away from you day by day due to the effects of dementia then you understand my fear.
Based on the title of the book, I bet you believe this book's targeted toward people over the age of 60 because of the word dementia. Society has led us to believe dementia is an “old persons” disease but as a society, we couldn’t be more wrong.
This is a great resource for people diagnosed with dementia or those in the early stages but it's beneficial to anyone searching for ways to strengthen the human brain, improve their memory, or transform into a healthier person.
I’m speaking to Generation X and Millennial’s because it’s time we forget what we think we know about dementia and save our most valuable asset. The human brain is damaged by the lifestyle choices we make in our twenties and thirties.
Yes, decisions we make before we reach senior citizens can shape our future and determine if we get dementia.
What’s the point of living our life to the fullest and creating meaningful memories and life experiences if we will forget our best moments when we need them most?
As I write this book, there are over 10 million people worldwide who will spend the last moments of their life confused, disoriented, battling memory loss, and physical impairments while dependent upon medication.
It’s never too late to exercise our muscles, and the brain is the most important one. I plan to educate anyone over the age of twenty-one and get them in the habit of saving their most valuable asset, the human brain.
I challenge anyone who reads this book to forget what they think they know about the human brain, the food, drinks and medication we consume and transform into an upgraded version of yourself. Learn how your body functions. Learn how to listen to your body when something is wrong. If you’re sick or living with chronic diseases, what can you do to get healthy? The answers may surprise you.
Let’s get started!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Payton Freeman
• Release date: Sep 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370103980

Payton Freeman

Join Payton as she starts another chapter in her life as an author. Debuting with her first book about the challenges her family endured while caring for loved ones diagnosed with dementia.Who is she? You may wonder. Payton is a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, friend, business partner, and entrepreneur. We could tell you how loving and caring she is. Elaborate on her witty personality, compassionate nature and adventurous spirit, but those are just words. How do you know them to be true? If you want to know Payton, connect with her on social media.

Book preview

FORGET

WHAT YOU

THINK

YOU KNOW

ABOUT

DEMENTIA

C. PAYTON FREEMAN

FORGET WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT DEMENTIA

C. PAYTON FREEMAN

Forget What You Think You Know About Dementia Copyright 2018 C. Payton Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Cover designed by Payton Freeman

Disclaimer: I have tried to recreate events and conversations from my memory. To maintain their anonymity in some instances I have changed the names of individuals and places, I may have changed some identifying characteristics and details such as physical properties, occupations and places of residence.

This book is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should consult a physician in matters relating to his/her health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

C. Payton Freeman

Printed in the United States of America

First Printing: Feb 2018

Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: The Brain and Dementia

Chapter Two: Getting Tested

Chapter Three: Diagnosed with Dementia

Chapter Four: Living with Dementia

Chapter Five: Saving My MVA

Chapter Six: Before We Part

Chapter Seven: Closing

Chapter Eight: Resources

Endnotes

Acknowledgment

About the Author

INTRODUCTION

Hello, if you are interested in this book then you or someone dear to you may have dementia. This book provides insight from people living with dementia and the countless others who want their stories known from the afterlife. Families affected want the opportunity to share their personal stories containing struggles filled with love, commitment and hope.

People may wonder why I wrote a book outlining the effects of dementia, a disease most believe only effects old people. A few more wondering what my credentials are. I am not a health care professional, a scientist or a professor. I am someone who watched from the sideline while this disease changed, dominated then destroyed people's life. Family I was defenseless to help and whose story I want to share. I need to tell their story because then we know our stories will be added to the millions of others who are suffering.

I wrote a book to document their experiences instead of a series of YouTube videos because I am terrible at public speaking. I talk too fast and run my words and sentences together. I have a short attention span and jump from topic to topic – unless I am writing.

When I am writing, I'm focused, and the words come without thought. I've often considered writing a blog but didn't think enough people be interested in reading them. Well, not enough to compensate for the additional work and time involved.

The past four years my sentiment has changed. If your life experiences can educate or prepare someone else for the hard road ahead, then share your wisdom. #4getwatukno

Just giving one person the strength or hope to move forward is worth it. And if I am lucky, I'll start a domino effect.

When I started on this personal quest seven years ago, I was looking for answers and through oodles of research I found them. Now, I want to help others find answers. My book provides expectations once you're diagnosed and offers advice from professionals and others who have been where you are. Most likely wondering what to expect?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, you may not have the time to research the available material; resources overflowing with useful information. Doctors, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies understand dementia is becoming an epidemic. It can become overwhelming while processing the various media sources. This book combines the knowledge in one guide with links to get information from the source at your own pace.

One day we will have a way to defeat it, maybe sooner than you think. Join me as we explore everything we thought we knew about dementia and getting older. Forget what you think you know about the human brain and the effects of dementia because research being conducted around the world is debunking those out dated misconceptions.

Come with me on this emotional life lesson filled with pain, self-discovery, anger, sorrow and faith and afterward if you pay attention to the details, you may be a healthier person. And if nothing else, learn how the human brain operates and functions. Discover answers for the next phase of your life.

If you're not convinced or satisfied with the results by the end of the book, then I challenge you to get involved and conduct your own research and speak to people whose lives have been impacted by dementia and then you can share your knowledge with the rest of us. Together we can make a difference. #4getwatukno

In the book, some statements I write may seem inappropriate and seem redundant. And to be honest, you may think I am speaking to you as if you are a child. I don't mean to offend but prevent others from making the same mistakes. I have spoken to many people involved from every angle of this disease and the horror stories I have heard would amaze and shock you. And I don’t mean positively. Please remember I have a reason for mentioning particular topics or over explaining.

CHAPTER 1: THE BRAIN & DEMENTIA

1.1.Human Brain

Most of us have a preconceived idea on dementia. My book will explain the various types and who's at risk for developing dementia. Also explain a few of the common misconceptions revolving around the disease. The book title is Forget What You THINK You Know About Dementia. Forget everything you think you know concerning Alzheimer's and open your mind to new experimentation and information doctors and researchers are discovering every day.

Dementia is becoming a worldwide epidemic as millions grapple with some form of the disease. Everyone can help by bringing awareness to this deadly mind stopping condition. By educating ourselves and one another, we start the process of protecting the human body’s most precious asset, the brain.

Dementia is categorized as old age and happens naturally, in many parts of the world. Thus, outdated knowledge and limited resources are allowing this deadly disease to consume millions of lives. Researchers and doctors expect that number to double and triple over the next thirty years.

The human brain is an advanced, super intelligent, evolving, self-cleaning and healing hard drive required to operate the most intricate computer system ever created - the human body. The brain allows your body to function and perform. Words you say, kind or mean, behavior, personality, athletic ability or lack of, are because of our brains overall health and ability.

Recently the world believed the human brain was incapable of generating new cells. Now we realize the brain can produce and repair neurons (nerve cells) we thought diminished over time as we aged. The brain can heal and regenerate neurons after suffering a stroke or injury. A person can recover from traumatic head injuries by creating new connections with other areas of the brain unaffected by the injury or trauma. Certain areas of the brain can create new cells if we continue to supply it with healthy levels of oxygen and blood and make wise lifestyle choices.

The brain has billions of cells communicating with one another through chemical signals. Billions and trillions of connections allow you to function. The brain is receiving and sending signals from your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands and other body parts day and night, including sleep time.

The human body is a complex machine that produces and provides most things required to live. It informs us when we are lacking nutrients and minerals required to live if we bother to listen and learn. Our brains and body evolve and adapt to our environment with each generation.

Cerebrum - A large section of the brain containing the left and right hemispheres divided by four lobes. The lobes are frontal, occipital, temporal and parietal.

Cortex - The outer layer of the cerebrum.

Cerebellum - Above the brain stem. It controls movement and coordination.

Brain Stem - Connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic body functions such as breathing, digestion, heart rate and sleep.

Amygdala - Shaped like an almond. Emotions, Fear - Fight or Flight Response

Hippocampus - Processes short term memories into long term memories.

Frontal Lobe - Logic, organizing and planning. Develops when you reach mid-twenties.

Temporal Lobe - Language and hearing.

Parietal Lobe - Movement and speed.

Occipital Lobe - Processes and interprets visual information.

Hypothalamus - Hormones. Monitors and maintains body functions such as body temperature and weight.

Thalamus - Hub or circuit board. Process and directs signals from the brain to the spinal cord into the nervous system.

Common Misconceptions

As human beings, we display ignorance when it pertains to the human brain and our bodies. If we're educated on this amazing masterpiece, we'll understand our capabilities and stop destroying ourselves. We sometimes care more for materialistic possessions instead of the one thing we cannot live without.

Name one thing you cannot be without. Without this object, person, whatever, you're devastated, and the world is momentarily frozen while you mourn the loss. Imagine you are the reason the whatever is no longer in existence. You have poisoned, harmed and damaged it beyond recognition and over time it's reduced to useless matter and it's your fault.

Back to reality, this occurs every day to our brains. For most of us, it's not too late to change our habits. The sooner we change our lifestyle, the sooner we stop the progression of dementia. If we continue to believe the antiquated information, we join the masses fighting for space in the overcrowded nursing facilities. My purpose is to point out the most common misconceptions we have regarding the human brain and our body.

1.Dementia is an old person's disease. This is the most common misconception. Thirty has become the new sixty. There are cases of young adults in their late twenties or early thirties diagnosed with dementia. Don't panic and get on social media and cause