April 2026 – Coaches Corner

I’ve heard the term “Worried Well” related to concerns about developing dementia. What does that mean?

As we age, it’s not uncommon to begin to have memory “blips”, like forgetting names, walking into a room and not remembering why you are there, or forgetting where you put your keys or your glasses. Generally, these issues resolve quickly. The name comes back to you, you remember why you walked into the kitchen, a misplaced item is right where you put it. You are worried that you don’t remember things like you used to when you were in your 30’s, but it’s at most an annoyance and doesn’t affect your life in any significant way. Yet you are concerned, and perhaps feeling some stress over the change in your memory. Only you can know if what you are experiencing is a reason to seek medical advice. Rather than worry about what is most likely normal aging, try shifting your focus to strategies that can help improve your overall health and quality of life.

Here are some questions to ask yourself, and if you have an issue, talk to your doctor or work with a health coach.

Are you eating lots of vegetables, high quality protein, and healthy fats (avocados, fatty fish, nuts and seeds)?

Do you have a fitness program appropriate for your age?

Are you getting 7 hours of sleep on average?

Do you snore, have sleep apnea or a breathing issue that interferes with deep sleep?

If your life is stressful, do you meditate or practice yoga?

Do you have “silver” mercury fillings or have you been exposed to polluted air for an extensive period of time? (You may want to have a urine-challenge test for heavy metals)

Are you on more than three prescription medications?

Do you have regular dental check-ups?

Have you had a traumatic brain injury or concussion?

Even small steps–better diet and lifestyle decisions, improved sleep, managed stress, and regular checkups to test for chronic disease, hormonal imbalances and inflammation–can make a big difference to living a life with our minds fully intact.

The Sharp Again Coaching Staff

Have a question you would like to see answered in the newsletter? Email your question to healthcoach@sharpagain.org by the 15th of the month, and one of our coaches will answer it for you.