Researchers and healthcare providers cannot effectively predict whether seniors will develop Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are several risk factors that increase the likelihood. Be on the lookout for potential dangers and encourage your senior loved one to make necessary lifestyle changes as a means of prevention.
Switch to a Healthy Diet
A diet high in fat increases LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which leads to plaque formation in blood vessels. When the delicate vessels within the brain become narrowed, neurons cannot communicate effectively. Diets consisting of excessive sugar and complex carbohydrates contribute to cellular and blood vessel inflammation along with the potential for developing insulin resistance. Seniors should switch to eating lean meat, poultry, and fish. Salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a vital role in reducing harmful beta-amyloid proteins that create the sticky tangles that damage neurons. The majority of each meal should consist of vegetables and fruits. Brightly colored produce provides chemical compounds that act as antioxidants, which eliminate the free radicals that cause premature cell damage and deah.
For some seniors, shopping for fresh foods and preparing nutritious meals on their own can be challenging. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elder care. Amarillo, TX families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Engage in Routine Physical Activity
The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation reports that seniors can reduce their risk of developing the disease by up to 50 percent by engaging in regular exercise. Moderately strenuous physical activity boosts cardiovascular function, which increases blood flow to the brain. Exercising also engages different regions of the brain, which keeps neurons active and encourages the development of new pathways. Healthcare providers recommend that older adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise every week. The regimen should include a combination of activities that raise the heart rate and increase muscle strength. Walking, swimming, jogging, and cycling are all ideal workouts.
For seniors with mobility limitations or health conditions that make it difficult to exercise safely on their own, professional caregivers can be a wonderful asset. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care. Amarillo Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Maintain an Active Social Life
Having contact with friends and family members has been shown to boost mental activity, which keeps the brain healthy. During time spent with loved ones, conversations often engage the memory center of the brain to share current events and memories. Conversations also require seniors to stimulate their brains to follow the topics discussed and choose appropriate words to say. Older adults also have the opportunity to socialize in many different locations, including before and after church services, during weekly outings, and at local community centers.
Stimulate the Brain
Similar to the musculoskeletal system, the brain also needs regular exercise. Reading a book, magazine, or daily newspaper stimulates neurons. However, the brain needs the challenge of learning new things. Seniors should choose activities that include multiple cognitive tasks and play games periodically. For example, crafting stimulates different regions of the brain due to the visual and manual dexterity required to complete projects. Some hobbies also boost problem-solving skills, including learning a foreign language or how to play a musical instrument.
If your loved one does develop Alzheimer’s disease, your family doesn’t have to go through it alone. Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to manage. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Amarillo Home Care Assistance provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. If your loved one needs professional Alzheimer’s home care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our Care Managers today at (806) 803-9991.