It Starts With Coffee

My grandpa was one of most charming, humours, fun and interesting people you could ever meet. He always had a story to share, a song to sing or adventure to encounter.

As a little girl, I would visit him at his marketing company and look at all of his art supplies. As a teenager, I would visit him in his backyard studio and watch as he sketched and painted. As an adult, he and I would visit galleries and museums, taking in all the works of art.

My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but his love of art- and his charm- was always there. It was because of him, that I was motivated to work for an Alzheimer Society- first in his honour and now in his memory.

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month.

• 12%- your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia
• 30%- what your chances increase to if you have a family member with the disease
• 29- age of the person who is the youngest known person with the disease
• 35 million- number of people, worldwide, currently living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia
• 34 million- population of Canada
• 604 billion- global cost to society for dementia care in 2010 (US dollars)

At this time, there is no known cause for Alzheimer’s disease nor is there a cure. While you cannot prevent Alzheimer’s disease, there are things you can do to lower your risk of developing the disease, including making healthy food choices!

A friend, and Dementia Support Counsellor, shared this Fruit Smoothie Recipe with me (and some of her clients)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups of fruit juice
• 1/3 cup of yogurt
• 1/3 cup fruit
• 1 banana, sliced
• Please see notes (below)

To Make:

• Add all ingredients into a blender
• Blend until smooth (roughly 1 minute)
• Pour into a glass
• Enjoy!

Notes:

1. You can use the juice, yogurt and fruit of your choice. My friend used orange-mango juice, strawberry yogurt and frozen blueberries.
2. Do not use apple juice (the acid separates the yogurt).
3. Makes two servings.

For more information on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, please visit www.alzheimer.ca or your local Alzheimer Society/Association.

Thanks to Neely for letting me guest post! You can find me at www.dreamsandcolour.blogspot.com