Elderly patients can engage in daily massage therapy to improve memory and prevent dementia. Below are four sets of acupoints, which should be massaged once in the morning and once in the evening, for 20 minutes each time. They can be alternated and used interchangeably. With long-term adherence, they can effectively prevent dementia.
1. Massage the Four Whites Acupoint
The Four Whites acupoint is located in the depression under the lower eyelid, about 0.5cm straight down. This acupoint is rich in Qi and blood, and stimulating it has the best effect on cerebral blood supply.
2. Massage the Yintang Acupoint
The Yintang acupoint is located at the midpoint between the eyebrows. Massaging this acupoint can improve cerebral blood circulation, activate brain cells, and enhance memory.
3. Massage the Fengchi Acupoint and Yufeng Acupoint
The Fengchi acupoint is located below the occipital bone, slightly lower when the head is tilted down, at the depression behind the high bone behind the ear. The Yufeng acupoint is located at the depression behind the earlobe. This set of acupoints can improve blood supply to the basilar artery.
4. Stimulate the Weizhong Acupoint
The Weizhong acupoint is located at the midpoint of the popliteal fossa, belonging to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Its meridian runs from the top of the head to the inside, connecting to the brain. Stimulating this area can directly reach the brain, making the mind clear and the body comfortable.
【Six Methods to Prevent Dementia】
1. Avoid various psychological stressors
Dementia in the elderly refers to Alzheimer's disease, which is a neurodegenerative disease. It is generally characterized by comprehensive dementia symptoms such as memory impairment, aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, visuospatial skills impairment, executive dysfunction, and personality and behavioral changes.
Since dementia is a mental disorder, the key to preventing it is to avoid various negative psychological stimuli. Optimism is the "nemesis" of negative emotions, so in dealing with various psychological and mental stimuli, one should adopt an open-minded and calm attitude, and learn self-control and regulation of emotions.
2. Pay attention to health and regular check-ups
Research has shown that the incidence of cognitive impairment is quite high in untreated diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol patients. Therefore, from the age of 40, people should prevent and treat these diseases.
3. Start with diet
Aging and declining immune function can lead to the occurrence of dementia due to the influence of free radicals. Therefore, to effectively prevent dementia, it is necessary to eliminate free radicals. Therefore, it is recommended to consume more antioxidant nutrients, mainly including vitamin C, E, B, and carotenoids, which can eliminate free radicals in the body and prevent dementia.
Although alcohol can harm the liver, moderate alcohol consumption daily can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. However, excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided. Occasionally eating chocolate can also effectively prevent dementia. Studies have shown that elderly people who regularly consume high-concentration cocoa beverages have greatly improved performance in cognitive function tests. This is because flavonoids in chocolate are potent antioxidants that can eliminate harmful molecules in the body and protect healthy molecules during old age.
4. Stimulate the brain and think actively
Dementia in the elderly is mainly due to damage to the nervous system, resulting in degeneration of brain nerves. Therefore, it is beneficial to stimulate the brain appropriately to promote the vitality of brain cells and prevent dementia. Geriatricians believe that regularly challenging the brain with new things is crucial. One should engage in brain activities, observe and think frequently, and maintain a sense of purpose and creativity.
5. Traditional Chinese medicine regulation
Using traditional Chinese medicine to regulate the body is also one of the effective methods to prevent dementia. Many traditional Chinese medicine theories have mentioned that the treatment of dementia should focus on nourishing Qi and tonifying the kidney and brain. For example, Chinese herbal medicines such as Polygonum multiflorum, Eucommia ulmoides, and black sesame have the effect of nourishing the kidney and strengthening the brain. Ginseng, longan meat, Chinese arborvitae seed, jujube, astragalus, and Polygonatum can all replenish Qi and blood, nourish the heart and Qi, and enhance mental clarity. It is recommended to consume these foods regularly, as they have a certain restorative effect on the brain.
6. Emphasize physical exercise
Research has shown that people who actively engage in physical exercise from their forties and fifties have a much lower incidence of cognitive impairment compared to those who do not exercise. This is because exercise can lower blood pressure, control cholesterol levels, and generate new brain cells. Therefore, it is a simple and effective method.
