The seminar led by Diane Beach, communications manager for the Alzheimer' s Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties, was called "Memory Matters."

It was held at La Vida Del Mar, an independent and assisted-living facility in Del Mar. A dozen people attended: Half were residents, and the rest of us came from the community. Diane's credentials are impressive; she majored in communication and has two Ph.D.s in health and education.

She began her discussion by explaining the distinction between dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Seventy percent of dementia patients have Alzheimer's. Dementia is a generic term, the umbrella that covers Alzheimer's disease, stroke, Parkinson's, Pick's disease and others; in my youth, senility was the catch-all phrase for abnormalities in elderly behavior.

Alzheimer's is deterioration of the brain. Neurotransmitters that connect the cells, sending messages back and forth to our brain, are damaged. We might lose our keys, a momentary memory loss, but when we find them we know what to do with them. An Alzheimer's patient not only loses the keys but also forgets how to use them.

Diane emphasized the importance of honest discussion with our doctor and thorough examinations when Alzheimer's is considered. Numerous medical or pharmaceutical problems have symptoms that create the impression that the dementia is Alzheimer's. The list includes a vitamin B-12 deficiency, a thyroid problem or possibly an unsafe interaction of meds. She believes a thorough work-up by a neurologist, preferably a geriatric specialist, is vital. Blood testing is requisite. A conversation with the pharmacist is necessary.

The importance of having all meds filled and refilled by the same pharmacy cannot be ignored. It is the only way the pharmacist can monitor our medications. My experience has been that when I have a new prescription or a question about an old one, my pharmacist is able to scan the entire list of medications and answers my questions with clarity.

CAT and MRI scans help doctors rule out tumors and possible strokes. A PET scan will highlight changes in the brain. Even if it cannot see those changes with perfect clarity, it points out that they exist, and thus guides the doctors to an understanding of the specific dementia.

Early diagnosis is important; there are meds that can slow the progress of Alzheimer's. There is no cure at this time, but slowing the disease is a boon to family and patient. Early diagnosis enables the individual to have a voice in treatment decisions. As the disease develops in the cocoon of lost habits, rituals and behavior, that voice becomes confused, hinders decision-making. When we moved my father-in-law from home to a facility, he did not share the discussion. Earlier, he spoke up.

There are warning signs beyond lost keys. Walking into the kitchen and wondering why is normal forgetfulness. The inability to open the refrigerator and pour the usual afternoon glass of juice is a signal. That is the inability to do a familiar job. Brushing teeth and tying shoes are everyday tasks that are habitual. In an Alzheimer's patient, those habits are tangled in forgetfulness. Judgment becomes flawed: Walking into the street without proper clothing, or wandering lost in the neighborhood are problematic occurrences.

Alzheimer's is an equal opportunity disease: Both men and women suffer. The risk is age-related. The older we get, the more vulnerable we are. If it seems like more women are affected, that's because we simply outlive our men. Everyone is vulnerable. But we can do things to diminish that vulnerability.

Diane's explanations were excellent. She stated that we are able to build up our "cognitive reserve" by strengthening brainpower in a variety of ways.

Helpful mental exercises include reading, writing, enjoying music, paying attention to current events. Read a variety of books: romance, adventure, history, how-to and how not-to. Write, e-mail friends or put pen to paper; try writing some free verse ---- it is fun, energizing and cathartic! From rock to Beethoven, music's charm is never-ending and always therapeutic and embracing. Work on puzzles: jigsaw, crossword and Sudoku. Variety is the spice and motivator to acuity.

Diane focused on the importance of proper eating: We have heard about greens, dark chocolate and bright berries. She discussed exercise, an especially important stress buster. Social connections, getting out and about, seeing and making friends helps avoid isolation and keeps blood flowing freely constantly feeding the brain.

We cannot give up and call it "genetic"; Alzheimer's in the elderly is usually not. Early onset (for those in their 40s and 50s) most likely is. We, the elderly "worried well," have the responsibility to stay well, by feeding and exercising our bodies and minds.

Diane Beach is available to conduct seminars throughout North County as well as San Diego. She will go to senior centers, clubs, and mobile home parks to share her expertise because "Memory Matters," and we must work on it. Call her at 800-272-3900. This is also the Alzheimer's Association hot line.

Agnes Herman is a freelance columnist. Contact her at 760-744-6878; e-mail to aggherman@sbcglobal.net.