New Reports--Can Sunshine Forestall Dementia?

The warmth of sunlight on my face is like a tonic, especially during the darker winter months.  Experts are finding that exposure to intense light has many health benefits and may even alleviate the effects of dementia. Now that's a good enough reason for everyone to brave the cold and get their rays. 

My gerontologist friend, Karen Everett Watson wrote me that when her children were still young, “we had a really bad winter. Oh, it wasn’t a lot of rain we had, but dense fog hung over the Sacramento Valley for weeks on end. I found myself getting depressed, which is unusual for me. I longed to see the sun and brush off the blanket that seemed to be covering me with sadness. I thought maybe a project would make me feel better, so I asked my daddy to help me build a little greenhouse.

 “The greenhouse was made of just scrape lumber and a few fiberglass panels. We had some old windows around the place that we used to bring in more light. When it was finished, it wasn’t too pretty, but boy did it help me in so many ways. 

“Even when it was foggy, I would go out in the greenhouse and plant a few seeds or just drink my coffee. Even without the sun, the light was intense inside. It made me feel so much better. I think it also encouraged me to get outside, even in the gloomy weather. I felt so much better that I began to take walks each morning. That really lifted my mood. An added bonus was the beautiful flowers and veggies produced out of that little greenhouse. 

“Dementia experts are now evaluating the effects of intense light on Alzheimer patients. The results are very encouraging. Since many dementia patients experience confusion over the time of day, the light seems to wake them up a bit.

 “A recent article on U.S. News reported that intense sunlight helps people sleep better, alleviates depression, and even suppresses an overactive immune system. It suggests that everyone get at least 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight every day. 

It also commented on the success it has had with dementia patients. Those exposed to bright sunlight had better scores on mental exams, and lost less function than their counterparts. This study came out recently in the Journal of American Medical Association.” 

Karen’s suggestions are taken to heart by me. And I hope this encourages you to get out and soak in some rays. Take your older loved one with you and perhaps you’ll both feel much better. 

The residents at San Clemente Villas by the Sea retirement community are very blessed to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific and the mild weather of Southern California. But all of us can bundle up and let that sun do its magic every day. 

What positive effects have you experienced for getting some sunlight during the winter months? We’d love to hear from you! 

San Clemente Villas provides full-service, luxury assisted living to those over the age of 65. San Clemente Villas by the Sea is at 660 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, CA 92673. Phone:  (949) 289-1534 Fax: (949) 234-0081. Contact:  Aileen Brazeau, Co-Owner of San Clemente Villas by the Sea. | abrazeau@cox.net.