Personal Care at Home: According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6.2 million seniors live with Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a degenerative brain disease that causes memory loss and eventually affects almost every aspect of a person’s life. Research shows that there are several key factors that can help seniors remain mentally sharp as they age. These are generally called “brain healthy” behaviors, and are good for anyone’s health, regardless of age or state of health. Consideration for Personal Care at Home should be something you check into now.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of progressive dementia. It is characterized by a loss of memory and other important mental abilities. Although it can affect anyone, the disease is most common among older adults.
One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
As the disease progresses, these plaques and tangles spread throughout the brain and interfere with the brain’s normal functioning.
What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
Doctors and scientists don’t know what causes Alzheimer’s disease. The disease progresses slowly, and symptoms may not start for several years.
Even though scientists don’t know what causes Alzheimer’s disease, they have identified several risk factors that can increase the chances of developing it.
1. Family History
2. Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
3. Obesity
4. Diabetes
Here are some of the brain-healthy behaviors that can help seniors prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
1. Diet Rich in Fruits and Vegetables
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps to keep the brain healthy. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are also low in calories, fat, and sodium.
Fruits and vegetables are also high in antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, C, and E). Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage. Oxidative damage can lead to inflammation, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables also helps to prevent other illnesses. These include stroke, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
2. Exercise at Least 30 Minutes a Day
Exercise is one of the best ways to keep the senior’s brain health, and it helps to keep their body healthy.
Exercise is linked to lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and anxiety. It is also linked to higher cognitive function and faster mental processing.
3. Engage in Social Activities
Aside from physical activities, the senior can also engage in social activities to help them maintain a healthy brain.
Studies show that seniors who have a lot of social interactions have better brain health. They have a higher cognitive function and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Social activities can be as simple as talking with a friend or a loved one, or a caregiver. It can also be going to a meeting of a club, organization, or church group.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
It is important to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. A healthy weight is also linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline in seniors.
5. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol can affect senior memory and cognitive function. This is especially true if your senior is taking certain medications.
6. Elder Care
It is important that the senior lives in a safe, supportive environment. This will stimulate their brains and provide a sense of security and comfort. The senior should also have a caregiver to help them with daily activities and monitor their health
Personal Care at Home: Conclusion
As the population ages, there are more seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. This makes it even more important for seniors to maintain a healthy brain. We provide your senior with the best Personal Care at Home, give us a call today!
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Personal Care at Home in Hinsdale, IL, please contact the caring staff at Suburban Home Care today. 630-964-9000
Sources
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/
https://www.helpguide.org/articles
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/preventing-alzheimers-disease-what-do-we-know
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649719/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2850111/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6787147/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2019.00508/full
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease
https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers-disease/infographic/
https://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/19/health/diabetes
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