(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 21, 2009 ) New York – Depression hurts at any age, but in the elderly it causes and exacerbates a myriad of other conditions, affecting every organ in the body. Yet according to Dr. Valentin Bragin, M.D., Ph.D., Founder and Director of the Stress Relief and Memory Training Center in Brooklyn, New York, a multifaceted treatment program involving medication, simple physical and mental exercises, and diet modifications can dramatically improve the health and well-being of depressed elders. His new book, Conquering Depression in the Golden Years, provides an easy-to-understand overview of how depression affects health along with details on his proven depression-fighting regimen.
“As a first-year psychiatric resident, I saw my aunt become more and more burdened with medical problems that I now believe stemmed from depression,” recalls Dr. Bragin. “After intense study and clinical observation, I created a program of medications, vitamins and supplements, psychotherapy, gentle physical exercises, sensory activation techniques, and memory games that in combination activate the body’s natural power of restoration so that elderly patients recover from depression.”
For those suffering from depression, their families and caregivers, Conquering Depression in the Golden Years explains the causes of depression and why it is particularly devastating for the elderly. Dr. BraginÂ’s detailed treatment program includes nutritional tips and recipes and recommended lifestyle changes, as well as mental and physical exercises to be performed three times or more each day in 12-15 minute stints of undivided attention, including:
• Affirmations that help create a positive mindset
• Finger exercises that activate neurons and improve concentration
• Mindful drinking, eating and food preparation exercises that reawaken the senses
• Restorative eye-hand, hand-leg coordination and breathing exercises that can be performed by frail elders
• Attention and concentration techniques that improve both memory and mood
• Physical movements and visualizations that increase brain blood circulation
“Depression is a highly treatable disease,” advises Dr. Bragin. “By activating the brain and the senses every day, you lift the withdrawal and hopelessness of depression and restore well-being and health.”
Conquering Depression in the Golden Years by Valentin Bragin, M.D., Ph.D., ISBN 978-1-934938-14-0 and 1-934938-14-9, published by Langdon Street Press, is a 180-page paperback retailing for $15.95. For further information, please call (612) 455-2294 or email emily@langdonstreetpress.com
