The Ultimate Guide To Protecting Your Memory: My Personal Journey To Brain Health

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you to Ritual for Sponsoring this video. Get 25% OFF your first month Go to ritual.com/25jenlefforge (please use this as the link I put on the screen is not correct! Thank you!)

[@jenny71WDW]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge thanks for the link! I'm going to try themand hope they are easy on my stomach!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@@jenny71WDW I think you'll be happy. I've had that trouble with other vitamins and these are fine even if I take them on an empty stomach.

[@elizzy8754]

This was a great talk. You are 💯% with your advice. I was mentally ticking boxes as you spoke: I do that, don't do that, could do better at that. I am caring for my spouse who has Alzheimer's. Early on, I realised that I had to practice what I call self protection. It can seem cruel and selfish, but realistically I'm no use to him or to myself if I lack sleep, proper nutrition, exercise, friends, and leisure. Your words are a great help and comfort on this journey.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It’s so true! Thank you and I wish you well on this journey - it’s harder than I could have imagined.

[@CindyWisconsinGirl-l6h]

Another risk factor for dementia is long term or binge alcohol use. Lots of studies are demonstrating that there really is no “safe” level of alcohol use for overall good health.

[@jennyjenkins877]

Good point! The World Health Organization (WHO) doesn't mince words about how poisonous it is and states, "Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer decades ago - this is the highest risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation and tobacco."

[@jenny71WDW]

⁠agree, alcohol is huge in alzheimers. No amount is safe.

[@jenny71WDW]

at least thats what we were told regarding my FIL with frontal lobe dementia. My dad has vascular dementia. one was a heavy drinker and one was not. one was very sedentary and one extremely fit and active. Im scared for myself and now our 2 boys.

[@CindyWisconsinGirl-l6h]

@@jenny71WDW I think every family tree has genetic risk factors - cancer, dementia, mental health issues, etc. Control what you can through healthy lifestyle choices, but don’t lose sleep over it. Enjoy your life & celebrate your boys ❤. That is the best tonic.

[@CindyWisconsinGirl-l6h]

@@jennyjenkins877 scary stuff. I am almost 2 years without alcohol & it gets better and better.

[@sallypriest4363]

I’m 73 and have had sleep issues for a long time. I know I need to start a walking program, but it is hard to just get started. I have all kinds of excuses. You inspire me with all that you do to improve your life and your body. Thank you❣️

[@EdimentalGardens]

One good thing is that once I started walking, my sleep improved. She’s right that starting just one thing can make a huge difference

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I love to hear that!! You can do it! A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step:).

[@annaburch3200]

As always, you inspire me to do better. I'm working on all these things. Thank you for the information and always being a JOY to watch on KZbin!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh Anna I’m so glad to hear that!

[@crrizello5157]

Thank you for the video. I'm 68, retired a year ago from a very stressful job. I have always been active in both mind and body and now get to learn new things: I joined a handbell choir, trying to learn new languages. I have always eaten healthy (everything in moderation is my motto), but sleep is my biggest obstacle. From the day I was born I have been a light sleeper. I'm trying to find ways to increase my hours and quality of sleep.

[@kathydoherty]

For perimenopausal and newly perimenopausal women, do not discount trying HRT to ease your symptoms and improve sleep. So much bad information is out there and as a result women are suffering needlessly. I started it a few months ago and it has been a game changer. Better sleep and clearer thinking. I told my doctor it was like someone cleaned the windshield overnight, it was that significant.

[@12044m]

@@kathydoherty YES!!!!

[@kerrys778]

Thank you for this video. I lost my sweet mom to dementia (I’m 51) when she was 79 a couple years ago. I miss her so much. I want so badly to make sure my brain is healthy. Thank you for this important message.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

We can only do so much but it’s definitely been a gut check for my on making sure I’m prioritizing my brain health!

[@malloryconnor4550]

Hi Jen, great video. It is wonderful seeing how you are coping with your mom. My sister is a registered dietitian and Mediterranean diet is the one she recommended for almost anyone. It just has a great balance of things our bodies need.

[@mjhadley2001]

Thank you so much for this video. We are entering the Alzheimer’s/dementia world with my dad and I definitely want to do everything I can to keep my brain as healthy for as long as I can.

[@springtime335]

Thanks so much for this. I just went thru this with my mother. She had severe dementia that ran its course last year. What a terrible disease. I’m so glad you have found a good place for her to be cared for. That takes quite a bit of stress off. I found a good place for my mother also. So much to learn. Thanks for summarizing the research you found. I will definitely try those points in my life. Also, I have found Hospice to be so, so helpful.

[@lindamiddleton6785]

Great reminders. Thanks Jen! Loved the "4 year old with dinosaurs" analogy. Perfect!

[@lisam1898]

This is so important - prevention is the key and more medical professionals need to support prevention studies. I took care of my mom in my home (with two young kids during a Pandemic) for 2 years until her death from Alzheimer’s and Lewy body. It was genetic as she was a very healthy person. This destroyed my heart in an indescribable way and I constantly feel like I’m running from a Tsunami as I chug olive oil and exercise. I don’t want to do this to my kids though. Thanks for spreading the word. ❤

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

All we can do is our best! And I’m so sad for both our moms. Not the final chapter anybody wants.

[@NA-ub1hu]

Hey Jen! Been following you for a long time for the Disney content! Dr Berg speaks a lot about the risks of dementia and other displays of inflammation in the body and how to improve our chances with changes to diet. Wishing you and your family the best. God bless 🤲🏻💗

[@matthewheller9034]

Thank you for this!

[@jwb3136]

Well I’m in trouble. I haven’t been able to sleep my entire life. 😢 I actually hate going to bed because I can’t sleep. I don’t want to take prescription sleep meds but short of that I’ve tried it all. Thanks for sharing and inspiring me to learn more. I had a grandma with it so it’s always been in the back of mind.

[@heatherw7496]

Thanks Jen. Your videos seem to show up just at the right time. I am signing up for a much needed and overdue sleep study. Sleep has pretty much always been an issue for me. Putting myself first.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

That’s such a smart move!!

[@florencelacy4190]

Jen, you are so right. Unfortunately, we have had to educate ourselves on this issue. Please continue this discussion 🙏

[@slyle3365]

“Like a 4yo with dinosaurs” 😂 I can relate and that is the best description…stealing that! And so much love to you and yours. I’m going through a dementia journey with my mom as well. I’ve found your videos so incredibly helpful and validating. Thank you for sharing your journey and the info you’ve found!! 💕 For anyone else wanting to learn all the things and just starting out, I found ‘The Complete Family Guide to Dementia’ a fantastic starter resource!

[@sues6573]

Great video!! I recently read “how not to die” and it really changes my perspective on food. I now think veggies first, whole grains, beans,et. rather than meat first. How can I create a meal centered around vegetables and healthy foods first.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I need to get that book!

[@sues6573]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge parts of the book are a bit dry, but it helped me understand "the why" eating veggies, fruit, nuts, beans, whole grains are important. I still eat pizza a bit to regularly, but I swap out pepperoni and for olives, mushroom, or broccoli.

[@anniephilipsadventures2872]

My Dad's siblings all had alzheimer's along with my Dad and Mother. I assume I will end up with it at some time but still do what I can to help push it out as far as possible. Sleeping is difficult and something I am constantly working on. I do think high quality supplements do help. People need to do thier due diligence to research companies and supplements to ensure they are not just passing through your body without being absorbed. It is such a challenge to live longer because like you said, this is new for our bodies and brains.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I’m encouraged by the research they’re doing and am hopeful for a day when we can tackle this horrible disease.

[@lisasproul8027]

This is a great reminder to take care of myself. I have tried to make healthy choices for my body but never thought about my brain. Thanks for sharing your big take always from your research.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

YES I had to make some paradigm shifts in my own mind because I actually think this is MORE important (they both go together but what I don't want is to live to 100 because my body is in such great shape but suffer from dementia)

[@susanritzenthaler4502]

Love that sweater - too bad it was not in the donate pile ;) Such good information! XO

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I’m so glad you found it helpful!!

[@lindaw140]

Powerful message thanks

[@amandamartig]

Women need to look at the connection between estrogen decline and brain health + cardiovascular health.

[@Kim-q5d]

thanks for the information. bless your family.

[@bernadettemacchi7182]

Thanks so much for this comprehensive video. I recall you mentioning in a different video that there is a baseline test we might consider before any indications begin to appear. Can you tell us again what that test is called and where we can generally find it? And thanks for all you do! I enjoy your videos so much

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

YES ask your doctor to do a baseline cognitive exam - there are several but the MoCA is the most commonly used. Thank you for bringing that up because I need to talk to my doctor about it at my physical next month!

[@joebinienda5283]

Thank you for your insights

[@pixiegrrly69]

Thank you for sharing your very personal story😢😢❤❤

[@susanjohnston4066]

Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai are neuroscientists and national medical experts on lifestyle changes to prevent dementia. They have books and videos. They are at Loma Linda University in Southern California.

[@WhoAteThePeach]

Quality sleep is also totally destroyed - by alcohol. I worry for my parents because they’re in their 70s and still drink quite heavily every day.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh boy that’s hard. That generation drank a lot and I’m seeing the ramifications in other members of my family. Great point.

[@olafpamela]

Thanks for this informative video👍🏻🥰 Thanks for sharing👋🏽👋🏽😃♥️

[@nmernst]

Hi Jen. Thanks for sharing. I wanted to share a new resource group I discovered for those interested: A Gathering of Minds. Another one is Dr. Sanjay Gupta and his book on keeping your mind fit.

[@kristinwade9873]

Loved this! Thank you!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I’m so glad! Thank you!

[@jenny71WDW]

Im in an extremely similar situation. Trying to figure out what to do to help myself.

[@juliedi2]

Jen…this video really arrived at the perfect time for me…great information. In regard to Ritual, do you also take a vitamin D supplement with the multivitamin? I’ve never taken a multivitamin, but I’m post menopausal and am seriously considering starting now.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I don’t but my doctor checks my vitamin D levels regularly and so far I haven’t needed an additional supplement? It’s definitely something worth considering though!

[@JessicaGuido-s1v]

Would you be up for filming your nighttime routine? Do you do tea? Do you read before bed or meditate? I have a very hard time sleeping and rely very much on my iPad to fall asleep.. bad I know! I am going to try and use your video as motivation.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

That’s a fantastic idea!

[@alinosi123]

I worry about my brain health with regard to sleep. I’m 75 now but i spent 25 years from about age 35-60 working a job where i only got about 5 hours of sleep every day. I worked very early morning hours and so i slept typically from about 9 or 10 pm until about 3 am. That was my normal routine and i wonder now how that might have affected my brain.

[@susanfioravanti6331]

Thank you!

[@maryd253]

Great video

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you!

[@Myeverydaywifelife]

My mom had Alzheimer’s she passed in 2020. I’ve have heard recently that there is a cholesterol connection. Not high Cholesterol well sort of but it is when doctors put people on cholesterol meds. You actually need cholesterol for your brain. The only whole high cholesterol thing is a dibacle!!! I personally would not take cholesterol medicine. We took my mom off cholesterol meds after she been on it several years. She was having arm pain due to the meds she was on for high cholesterol. Eat healthy fats!!!!

[@juliebee61]

regarding sleep: i think my husband and i need separate beds. dont really have the option of separate bedrooms, but he often wakes me when he gets up in the night. i also often have to pee once or twice. how do those things impact sleep??

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

A lot. You’re not the first person I’ve heard this from and I think it can be a good idea!! I saw a study recently about it but don’t remember where.

[@sarahjones5639]

If you have space for a super king size bed (6 foot by 6 foot) , you could try one bed frame, with 2 single mattresses that are the same height and one big sheet over them both. That’s what we do and it definitely helps, with separate quilts in summer too.

[@RitaVernoy]

❤❤❤❤

[@Jana-wz7dr]

As a lifelong poor sleeper I get what you are saying. The information in this video is absolutely valid, has been documented time and again. I am working on improving my sleep, my fitness and my heart health. Recently bit the bullet and bought a fitness tracker. It is absolutely motivating me in many ways. And my resting heart rate has gone down from 76 to 68 in two weeks. And I also added a weighed blanket to my bed. My sleep is still so so but am trying various ways to improve it.

[@lindaw140]

❤❤

[@Petunia956]

The code was not accepted. Said invalid code ?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Check the link - the first code they gave me was wrong but the link in the comment section should work? It’s 25jenlefforge