Although there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s and no guaranteed way to prevent the disease, there are steps seniors can take to lower their risk of developing it. Making healthy lifestyle choices can boost a senior’s brain health. Continue reading to learn about some of the ways aging adults can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as well as tips to slow its progression.
Eat Brain-Boosting Foods
Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables can protect brain cells from chemicals known as free radicals. These chemicals damage neurons and make it difficult for the brain to function normally. Seniors should also avoid processed foods, red meats, and saturated fats, as these foods can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s or cause the disease to worsen. Olive oil, nuts, seeds, spinach, kale, salmon, and tuna contain antioxidants, which are protective chemicals that naturally enhance cognitive performance.
Some older adults need assistance with preparing healthy meals every day. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Protect Against Falls & Head Traumas
Head injuries can significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and most head injuries result from falls. Therefore, seniors need to work hard to strengthen their balance and flexibility to prevent serious injuries and accidents. The home should be free of clutter and tripping hazards, and seniors can also protect their heads by wearing seat belts and avoiding physical activities that could involve injuries to the head, such as baseball, dodgeball, and tennis. If your loved one continues to be physically active, make sure he or she wears a safety device such as a concussion-free helmet.
Engage in Mental Activities
Stimulating the mind can strengthen and increase the number of connections among the brain cells, which can lower the odds of Alzheimer’s and stave off the progression of the disease if it has already developed. Some of the best ways to get the mental stimulation the brain needs include reading, solving puzzles, learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, browsing social networks, working in a garden, and playing board games. These activities all require using short-term and long-term memory as well as critical thinking skills.
In-home caregivers can engage seniors in mentally stimulating activities designed to boost cognitive health. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. Huntsville families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Stay Socially Active
Seniors can boost their cognitive health by maintaining social connections. Interacting with other people stimulates the formation of brain synapses, boosts the flow of blood in the brain, and increases the development of nerve cells. There are many ways for an older adult to socialize, including joining a local gym, volunteering, attending events at a senior center, signing up for crafting classes, and visiting with family and friends on a regular basis.
Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Huntsville Home Care Assistance provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (256) 716-9940 today.