Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are conditions that affect behavior and cognitive functions such as reasoning abilities, memory, and communication skills and currently afflicts millions of American seniors. While no cure has yet been found for either illness, there are steps that you can take in order to help slow their onset. Are you a caregiver for your elderly parent or other family member here in Sherman Oaks, who is showing the initial signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia? What can you do to encourage your loved one?
Notice the following suggestions:
Eat the right foods. Certain foods have been linked to robust mental health. As long has your family member’s diet allows, encourage him or her to look for foods containing plenty of folic acid, such as fruits and green vegetables, foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild salmon, and foods rich in B-12, such as clams. Additionally, cherries, walnuts, whole grains, and even the occasional piece of dark chocolate and glass of wine are good supplements to a brain-healthy diet. On the other hand, diets high in trans fats, red meats, and full-fat dairy products can have a negative effect on brain health.
Stay physically fit. Exercising regularly can not only help one stay physically healthy, it can help one stay mentally healthy as well, and according to some studies may aid in preventing brain shrinkage commonly associated with the onset of dementia. Moderate exercise, including walking, gardening, and cleaning, if done regularly, can help individuals stay mentally sharp.
Stay mentally fit. Individuals who challenge themselves mentally on a regular basis are less likely to develop full dementia. Encourage your family member to participate in activities such as crossword puzzles, board games, card games, sudoku, and reading. Learning a new skill, such as how to speak a new language, or how to play an instrument, can also have a positive impact on intellectual health. On the other hand, hours spent watching television can increase a tendency to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Get plenty of rest. The brain requires regular sleep in order to function properly, so sleep deprivation can contribute to cognitive problems. Exhort your family member to establish a sleep schedule that is both regular and sufficient.
Stay relaxed. Stress can negatively affect the brain’s oxygen levels, and can contribute to poor mental health. Maintaining strong, healthy relationships with family members and friends, and creating a firm support network can help individuals to relax. Encourage your loved one to participate in relaxing activities that allow time for reflection on a regular basis, and to speak to a doctor about any hypertension problems.
Avoid damaging habits. Smoking and heavy drinking have been strongly linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Individuals who both smoke and drink heavily have even greater risk of developing one of the two conditions.
If you are caring for your elderly loved one who is still mentally sharp, helping your loved one to participate in activities that promote good mental health is still important. Following a brain-healthy regimen now can have lasting benefits in the years to come! Visit here for activities for senior citizens in Sherman Oaks, California.
What activities are you doing with your loved to help them stay mentally sharp? We would love to hear from you on our caregiver forum.
Sourced from: Home Instead Content Library
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