The Alzheimer's Solution by Dean Sherzai

Author:Dean Sherzai
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2017-08-01T04:00:00+00:00

Which type of meditation is best for brain health? There is no one technique that has been proven to be superior, and people may respond differently to different styles. If you’re just starting out, we recommend trying simple breathing exercises, like the ones we’ve included in the Unwind Personalized Program. People with more experience may be drawn to more advanced mindfulness techniques. The best technique for you is one that interests you and brings you a sense of calm.

Making Sure It Works

Dean once had a patient named Monika who was very passionate about meditation. She studied with gurus, went to international retreats, and had been practicing for over a decade. She was also a high-powered businesswoman with an extremely successful public relations agency. Distraction was what finally prompted her to see a neurologist. She was struggling quite a bit with memory and recall, and to Dean, she didn’t seem all that relaxed.

Dean took Monika’s medical history and completed a physical exam. During her neuropsychological test, Monika made mistakes on two measures of distractibility. She was even talking as Dean tested her—it was extremely difficult to get her to focus.

Afterward Dean told her that he respected her meditation practice, and that she should continue studying. But he also wanted her to try something else. Something really simple—no mantras, no mala beads, just a basic relaxation exercise. He asked Monika to close her eyes and then tense all the muscles in her body starting with her forehead and eyes, moving down to her neck, shoulders, and back, and eventually all the way down to her toes. After five seconds, Dean told her to release the tension and take some deep breaths. They did the exercise together several times, concentrating on the difference between tension and release.

“I actually feel relaxed,” Monika said when she opened her eyes. And she looked it.

This exercise would be her daily assignment for the next month. When she returned for her follow-up, she reported positive changes in her attention and far less anxiety. Because Monika was overly enthusiastic about the process and ritual of meditation, she’d somehow lost sight of the desired outcome: relaxation. We’re not saying meditation retreats aren’t helpful—they’re wonderful for many people. But make sure your chosen mindful activity actually makes you relaxed. If you don’t feel a clear sense of ease or improved mental focus, ask questions to further refine your technique, and if that doesn’t work, consider trying a different style.

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