In the news

            Several studies over the past few years have shown that persons who receive the recommended adult vaccines – influenza, pneumonia, shingles – seem to be less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease. Now a large study involving more than 900,000 persons over a ten-year period has revealed that the reduction is significant: persons who received one or more influenza vaccinations were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease during the ten-year study period.

            Influenza is not the only vaccine that provides such protection but the number of persons who receive the other adult vaccines is considerably smaller and the protective effect is harder to prove. Those who have received the adult versions of tetanus-pertussis-diphtheria vaccines also derive a protective effect. The tuberculosis vaccine known as BCG, seldom used in this country because of the very low incidence of tuberculosis in our population, is among those. In fact, a lower likelihood of Alzheimer’s Disease has even been observed in patients with bladder cancer who have received intra-bladder infusions of BCG.

            The mechanisms involved are not yet clear but researchers are closing in. We have known that some viral diseases such as influenza have effects on the brain, even if there are no symptoms that would suggest such involvement (unless we include the sometimes severe headache that occurs in some patients). One possibility is that the vaccine prevents the virus from exerting influence among brain cells. Another possibility is that the resemblance of an influenza virus protein to the beta-amyloid protein that appears to be the culprit in Alzheimer’s disease may be involved.

            It will probably be several years before scientists will tease out all the details but this is yet another reason for receiving ALL the vaccines that are recommended for persons beyond middle age, in whom influenza, pneumonia and shingles have a much greater incidence and fatality rate. It’s true that some persons experience significant, sometimes painful or debilitating side effects but you should keep in mind this salient fact: if you have a serious reaction to a mild version of one of these diseases, what do you think would happen if you were hit with the real thing?

Lifestyle

It’s hard to avoid partaking of the usual Christmas treats like cookies, candies and eggnog, and of course the inevitable increased intake of alcohol. They all have concentrated calories and it’s no wonder that many people find that slacks and skirts don’t fit the way they did in mid-November. The good news: there are some strategies that you can employ that will help you to enjoy holiday feasting without feeling like a martyr.

It starts with limiting your “downfall foods.” (Mine are those mini cream puffs from Costco.) Decide how many you will have at the party. It helps to save them for last, when your appetite has been fairly well satisfied.

Limiting alcohol at parties helps. After two drinks I switch to water or ginger ale. Nobody seems to notice, maybe because they haven’t made the switch.

Move across the room from the buffet table. The closer you are the easier it is to step over and pick up a little more to put on your plate.

It’s not politically correct for me to say this, but hang around with the skinniest folks in the room. They are less likely to grab those treats being passed around by the hostess, and that will make it easier for you to pass them up as well. (I know I’ll get mail for that one!)

Don’t be the first person in the buffet line. The hostess has taken great pains to make everything look pretty and appealing. It won’t look as tempting after a few other folks have helped themselves.

One more thing – your exercise routine is likely to take a hit with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Make it a priority on your calendar, not something that gets squeezed in when time permits.