By Dr. Max Stanley Chartrand

Headlines predicting a coming Tidal Wave of Alzheimer's are grossly misleading. In fact, most of the commonly accepted statistics on the prevalence of the condition are based upon false data. "What is Alzheimer's?" we ask. And too often the answer relies on the premise that anything that looks like it, walks like it, and quacks like it must be Alzheimer's.

However, there are a host of non-Alzheimer's behaviors that are anything but Alzheimer's. Most of these have to do with sensory loss, medication side-effects, undiagnosed disease, and food allergies OVERLAID with normal aging factors.

Without question, the most common cause of mis- or over-diagnosis of Alzheimer's today is that of uncorrected hearing loss in the elderly. Since the "gold standard" for determining mental status, the Mini Mental State Examination or MMSE, is given orally, results are entirely invalid when administered to any person with significant hearing loss. And, of course, prevalence of hearing loss runs about 39% of those above 65 years of age and more than 69% of those over 80 years of age.

So, a mental status examination given verbally to older adults is more of a test of hearing acuity than it is a test of memory or mental status. Here are just some of the ways you may prevent and/or ameliorate symptoms of Alzheimer's, while maximizing mental ability at the same time:

• Have your hearing tested at least every 2 years. If you have a hearing loss, have it corrected with appropriate treatment (hearing aids or medical treatment). Never allow an oral test for mental status before addressing auditory issues.

• Where possible, avoid prolonged use of medications that cause cognitive or vascular side-effects. Medication side-effects can cause Alzheimer's or make its symptoms worse.

• Become a life-long learner. Be engaged in a course of study or get in the habit of reading. Work Crossword Puzzles, sew and/or make crafts. Challenge your mind to improve and stay sharp.

• Stay socially active and expand your circle of friends. Be involved in family, community, and church affairs. Friendships and social involvement stimulates the brain, reduces depression, and helps minimize natural aging factors.

• Play a musical instrument and/or sing daily. The therapeutic value of music is conclusive: Good music stimulates growth of the connective tissues of the human brain, especially dendrites and axons that otherwise wither with disuse.

• The bedrock to good mental health is good physical health. Take care of yourself: Eat sensibly, avoid foods and substances that are detrimental to health, sleep well, and exercise adequately. Drink plenty of water daily (see my monolog that covers this aspect). Many hypertensive and other medications would be almost unnecessary today if the elderly drank sufficient amounts of water daily.

By observing the above guidelines, you can strengthen memory and cognitive ability. You will minimize some of the major pathophysiological causes of Alzheimer's. You may retain your independence and the ability to manage your own affairs for a longer period of time. You and your family may be rewarded with a longer, fuller life filled with happy memories and brighter tomorrows.