The Quest

The annual visit of my mother to the States always includes visits to her doctor for the once-a-year routine check-up.   She used to confidently manage these visits on her own with a sibling offering to drive her for the appointments.  But a year ago, she needed to be accompanied to these visits.  We took charge in filling out the usual questionnaire given out and sat with her as she met with her doctors.  (Still Mommy)

Maybe, we reasoned, it was because she was getting on in years.  Slower, more careful with her steps; quieter, more introspective.  On the other hand, she was easily agitated in unfamiliar surroundings; and quick to declare, “I cannot!” 

The doctors would have the answers to the questions my mother kept in her heart.  But it was up to her children to bring her questions to the doctors.

As it was last year, in this year’s visit, a sister and I went with my mother to her primary physician.  After submitting to the usual examinations, the doctor declared my mother to be in good health except the resulting score on her memory test showed a further drop when compared to last year’s score.  With a gentle demeanor, the doctor informed us that there was no telling how slow or how quickly the condition would progress.  This was a thorny question pricking my mother’s thoughts. How long before she forgets everything she knew? 

He added that there really is no medicine proven effective against declining memory.  Instead, these drugs could have terrible side effects.  With spirits at a low level, we left the doctor’s office. 

Not wanting to let my mother continue with depressing thoughts, my sister reassured my mother that she would arrange a visit to a neurologist.  Surely, my sister reasoned out, a neurologist would be in a better position to validate the pronouncements of the primary physician.  This somehow comforted my mother and we drove off feeling positive.

----xoxoxox----

On the day of the visit to the neurologist, my mom was anxious of what the neurologist might say or find in her medical report.  But after the 30 minute discussion with the doctor, my mother's worries was laid to rest.

The doctor was moy simpatico. Authoritative but gentle with his probing questions: when did you remember a change in your memory; do you have problems with continuing with conversations, forgetting a word, a name, etc. 

He scanned the medical reports on my mother’s test results including MRI on her brain.  He checked the responses of my mother to his instructions which my mother followed correctly—to the doctor’s and my mother’s delight.  With utmost gentleness and courtesy, he confirmed the findings written in the report. A part of my mother’s brain had shrunk and there were signs of past mini-strokes.  But hope sparked in my mother’s eyes as the doctor continued.  There were actions my mother could take that could help slow down the decline.   Granted that there were no medicines or operations that can bring back the portions of the brain that had shrunk, there are measures that can be taken to slow the shrinkage.

Now much of these actions are common sense or have found print in newspapers, magazines and the internet.  But it's good to be reminded on how to energize the brain.

A) 7-8 hours sleep

B) Mediterranean diet-- greens, fish, chicken, and less of red meat or none at all. He also added that a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil with warm water helps as there have been studies about its efficacy. (thought bubble: imagine that! A US doctor promoting coconut oil)

C) daily physical exercise – at least 30 minutes

D) mental exercise- We must remove from our vocabulary: I can't. Being frustrated means you are stretching your brain.  Good examples are: learning a new language, working out brain-teasers (you can download for a fee lumosity ); learning new ways of doing regular activities (use your left hand when you are right handed).   If you must read, it is good to have a discussion of what you read to challenge your understanding. (Go and join a book club.) Word finder or crossword has little value specially when done before going to sleep.  Best time to do any mental stretching is in the morning.

As with the primary doctor of my mother, the neurologist believed the medicines being pushed, at the very least, provides energy for the brain but does not nurture or improve the growth of brain cells. Drinking meds and then not doing any of the 4 essentials is throwing good money away.

Mommy left the doctor’s office excited with plans to brush up on her Spanish. And it’s enough for us, her children, to try to make her happy and help her in her quest for hope in the sunset years of her life.

----xoxoxox---

Our own Pinoy cuisine is full of dishes that are similar if not better than the Mediterranean cuisine.  Our seas abound in fish that are marvelous for the grill.  We should love our ensaladang talong, tamatis, camote tops and ampalaya. (click for just some of the Veggie Salads )  

Our local artisan cheeses are getting better.  And although our gardens may not readily have lettuces and bell peppers, we do have Mallonggay or Kamonggay—super veggie of the Pinoy.  

Virgin olive oil can be expensive but there is virgin coconut oil full of powerful brain boosters.  It’s all a matter of changing our mindsets.

Go boost your memory with my mother’s very addicting tomato salad.  See how well it pairs up with grilled fish or chicken.

Mommy's Tomato Salad

Ripe Tomatoes, dices (about2 cups)

Red Onions, diced (about 1 cup or less if you don't care too much for these)

1/4 c olive oil

1/8 c calamansi juice or lemon juice

salt, pepper and sugar

Mix everything in a bowl and add sugar until you come up with the sweetness level that you desire.  Chill before serving.

Note: You may also use the already sweeten calamansi concentrate.