Are you worried that your elderly loved one will get dementia? Maybe it runs in the family or you have just seen too many shows about people deteriorating from this disease. While this disease isn’t always preventable, there are still some dementia prevention tips that your elderly loved one can try out.
Sleep is Important
Your elderly loved one needs to know that quality sleep is so important when trying to prevent dementia. Research shows that when someone is sleeping, that is when their brain is clearing up. Their brain gets rid of amyloid-beta proteins (these can add plaque to the brain). By getting enough quality sleep, the body can get rid of more of these proteins, reducing the risk of dementia.
Food for the Brain
You and elderly care providers should be encouraging your loved one to eat right. Research shows that the food someone eats does affect their brain. If your elderly loved one is getting the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients their brain needs, they are less likely to get dementia. On the other hand, if your elderly loved one is eating too much sugar and processed foods, they have a much higher risk of getting dementia. That is because sugar and processed foods lead to inflammation in the body, even in the brain.
Walks are Essential
Making sure that your elderly loved one is moving around enough is essential. Research doesn’t quite prove that exercising will prevent dementia. However, there are studies that show regular exercise helps to keep the brain healthy. Exercising regularly can help to reduce diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure. Each of these health issues can be contributing factors to dementia. You and the elderly care providers should encourage your elderly loved one to walk at least 15 minutes a day (if possible).
Quit Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
If your elderly loved one drinks alcohol, they are at a much higher risk of developing dementia. This is especially true if your elderly loved one drinks 5 or more alcoholic beverages in a night (or day). If your loved one is a heavy drinker, see what you can do to help them quit or at least cut back significantly.
Conclusion
These are some of the dementia prevention tips that your elderly loved one can follow. If you and the elderly care providers that your loved one has, will encourage these tips, you can help your loved one to prevent dementia. While this disease isn’t always preventable, that doesn’t mean that your loved one shouldn’t try to do what they can to avoid it.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Queen Creek, AZ, or anywhere in the East Valley, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care.
Call (480) 777-0070
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5546647/
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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