Dementia is a neurological condition that can make daily life stressful for seniors and their caregivers. However, there are lifestyle changes older adults can make to reduce the odds of dementia and boost their cognitive health. Continue reading to learn more about the causes of dementia and what your senior parent can do to stave off the condition.
1. Inactivity
Being active is essential because it helps the brain maintain existing neural connections and make new ones. However, when seniors live inactive lifestyles, they fail to get the stimulation they need, and their risk of dementia increases. Keep your loved one socially and physically active in the golden years. He or she can join a gym, take arts and crafts courses, learn a new language, or join a senior-friendly sports league.
Dementia can be challenging for seniors, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Surrey seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.
2. Substance Abuse
When seniors drink alcohol, take illicit drugs, or abuse prescription medications, the substances can have a negative impact on their cognitive health. Cognitive impairment is one of the top signs of dementia, which is why seniors need to do everything they can to boost their brain health. Help your loved one develop mechanisms to reduce the urge to drink. Consider signing your loved one up for counseling or enrolling him or her in an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program.
3. Poor Diet
Some of the foods older adults consume can impact their brain health and increase the odds of dementia. Foods like bacon, ham, and sausage contain nitrosamines, which increase brain degeneration and prevent seniors from maintaining optimal health. To lower the risk of dementia, your parent should consume plenty of vitamins and minerals. Instead of eating processed foods, your loved one should try to follow a diet that contains more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and other items that are full of antioxidants that combat free radicals.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but compassionate help is available. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Head Traumas
Although aging adults need to stay physically active, they need to be careful to avoid head injuries. Head traumas could increase the chances of developing dementia as well as other neurological conditions. Even a minor head injury could temporarily impair your loved one and prevent his or her brain from functioning correctly, increasing the risk of dementia. Choose low-impact activities for your loved one, and make sure he or she always wears a seat belt in a car. Your loved one should also do exercises that enhance posture and balance.
5. Diabetes
Aging adults living with diabetes have a higher risk of developing dementia than those who don’t have high blood sugar. Diabetes causes significant damage to the blood vessels and can lead to cognitive impairment. If your parent is living with diabetes, he or she can take steps to manage the condition by exercising, taking medications correctly, and following a heart-healthy diet.
Caregivers with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for families. Surrey senior home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (778) 279-3634 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.