Live and Learn

The World Health Organisation has recognised dementia as “a public health priority.” Worldwide, more than 55 million people live with dementia, and that number is increasing every year. 60–70% of dementia sufferers have Alzheimer’s disease and, although the disease is incurable, there are lifestyle changes that can be done to help delay its onset. We spoke to Jacky Shum, and discovered how his Alzheimer’s diagnosis actually helped him find purpose in later life as he seeks to fortify himself against the disease.

The Fight Against Alzheimer’s

One day Jacky, a 67-year-old grandfather living in the city of Guangzhou, began to notice that he was increasingly experiencing memory lapses and finding it harder to communicate with others. Aware of his family history, Jacky suspected that these symptoms were an early warning of Alzheimer’s.

This realisation came at a time of great change for Jacky. For most of his working life, he had been busy and successful — he was used to running his own factory, travelling for business, and organising the sale of his goods on Amazon. His life after retirement was very different, with Jacky being mainly based at home, only occasionally assisting his son with work. He was left feeling unfulfilled; retirement was a world away from his working life.

Jacky was not defeated, however, and decided he was determined to put up a fight against Alzheimer’s. He told me:

“I have overcome so many obstacles in my startup, the fear of Alzheimer’s is not going to make me give in.”

He did some research and learned that exercising the brain was the best way to delay the progress of Alzheimer’s. The importance of learning in preventing the disease is well known, with a lack of childhood education listed as one of Alzheimer’s Disease International’s twelve major risk factors contributing to the development of dementia. However, research has shown that mental stimulation at any age can not only strengthen existing connections in the brain but also promote an increase in the number of cells, thus increasing “cognitive reserve.”

Armed with this information, Jacky embarked on a new journey of learning, seeking to expand the range of his education and fortify his mind in the process.

As well as an hour of physical exercise a day, Jacky surrounded himself with sources of education: he signed up for online financial courses, bought a Kindle and started reading, listened to podcasts while showering and doing the housework, all while taking notes of everything he learned. This dedicated studying gave Jacky the confidence that he was fighting Alzheimer’s and gave him a new lease of life as he found himself absorbed in what he was learning.

Jacky’s English Journey

The role learning a language has on brain function cannot be ignored. Studies have shown that being bilingual can delay the onset of dementia by up to five years compared to those who only speak one language. Not only that, but because learning a foreign language promotes a deep use of the brain, it can also improve the ability to multitask.

Although Jacky had known some English in his youth due to his work in the foreign trade industry, that knowledge had been lost over the years. At the recommendation of his son, Jacky chose to embrace new technology and began learning English using EF Hello.

“One of my favorite things about EF Hello is learning through conversation. I can always stay focused and keep my brain running fast. I can feel a lot of improvement after studying on EF Hello for 20 minutes every day.”

He said happily;

“I feel that EF Hello is designed for us seniors, it’s perfect!”

For Jacky, his biggest concern is no longer the onset of Alzheimer’s, but instead it is feeling misunderstood by those around him who urge him to stop studying and enjoy his retirement. But he has stood by his decision.

“The most important thing in learning is not to seek the result, but the process, which is the source of my happiness.”

Jacky’s inspiring demonstration of courage and determination when so many would have lost all hope makes him a fantastic role model for us all. We are so glad that EF Hello has helped in his journey and hope that people will learn from Jacky that as long as you stay curious and keep learning, you will stay young forever.

To download EF Hello today visit: www.efhello.com