Julia Willoughby is a shining example that ageing well and preserving our memory are entirely achievable. In this article, she shares her personal journey in confronting a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s, shedding light on the role of education, lifestyle choices, and life skills.
“Where did I put my keys?” As we age, this phrase can become increasingly frequent!
We may forget words, not remember a regular route when driving or forget the name of someone familiar. It can be frustrating and concerning.
“Have I got dementia, is this the first sign?” “Will it be downhill from now on?” “Am I going to end up like……?”
Fortunately, there is exciting research now about staying mentally and physically healthy well into our old age because we can influence the functioning of our brain.
I certainly had these signs five years ago! I was shocked and worried when one day I was unable to remember the route to attend a doctor’s appointment, and I’d been driving there for 20 years! Maths was challenging and faces sometimes hard to recognise.
I was really concerned, as I had members on both sides of my family with Alzheimer’s. At the time, I thought I was doomed to have it, too.
However, with the help of a dear friend who sent me some of the latest research and ideas for ageing well, I started on a journey of discovery and the beginning of the realisation that we have so much more control over our physical, mental and emotional body than we may think!
I threw myself into reading extensively and began a program for increasing my physical exercise, changing my diet, exercising my brain, sleeping well, managing my stress, and making sure that I was having some fun along the way by expanding my social life!
Genetically, I’m at a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s. However, I know now that I have more control than I realised and more knowledge to stay as well for as long as I can. As a yoga teacher with a long history of working in the health field, I was keen to embrace the education and implement many of the ideas I had learned about. And indeed, I’ve reversed or improved several of my symptoms!
In Quest’s Maintaining Your Memory program, we will share with you the specific lifestyle choices endorsed by leading doctors and research into preventing or stabilising memory loss and ageing well. We’ll inspire you to gently modify aspects of your lifestyle that will help your brain to not only grow new neurons and function better, but will also help you to feel calmer, happier and more in control of your life.
The 5-day Maintaining Your Memory program allows you to focus on your life without distraction. It is held at the Quest for Life Centre in Bundanoon in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW. Participants learn valuable information, life skills and strategies to stimulate your brain, increase your health, sense of wellbeing and bring you peace of mind.
I look forward to meeting you there!
– Julia
Julia Willoughby is a Facilitator on Quest’s Maintaining Your Memory program and living proof of the benefit of the holistic approach offered in the program.
Next Program: 27 November-1 December 2023. Call Us Today to find out more: 1300 941 488.
