Even though there isn’t a permanent cure for dementia, seniors who have been diagnosed with this disorder can do quite a bit to protect their mental health. Studies from around the world are now showing that some of the most common symptoms of this neurodegenerative disorder can be slowed with the proper treatment plan. Here’s a closer look at a few steps older adults can take to slow the progression of dementia.
Avoid Foods that Cause Inflammation
When the brain is inflamed, it won’t be able to clear away some of the plaques and proteins that kill off brain cells. For seniors with dementia, that inflammation may speed up the progression of the disease. One of the best ways to fight inflammation is to steer clear of inflammation-causing foods and ingredients, including white sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial trans fats, refined carbohydrates, vegetable oils, and processed meats.
Seniors with mobility limitations or health conditions may find it difficult to prepare meals on their own, which can result in not getting proper nutrition. 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 homecare Clearwater, FL, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Invest in High-Quality Supplements
One of the best ways to clear unhealthy plaques out of the brain is to consume plenty of antioxidants throughout the day. While most nutrients should come from dietary sources, many older adults eat the same few dishes on a regular basis. A high-quality supplement can shore up deficiencies seniors might have developed over the years. Those who want to preserve their cognitive health should look for supplements containing vitamin E, vitamin K, folic acid, calcium, and magnesium.
Socialize
Spending time with friends and loved ones isn’t just good for emotional health. When socializing, many different parts of the brain are used at the same time. According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health, seniors who have daily contact with people in their social circles reduce their risk of dementia by 25 percent. Even if a senior has already been diagnosed with dementia, socializing can be incredibly beneficial.
Perform Mental Exercises
When it comes to combating the symptoms of dementia, regularly engaging in difficult mental tasks can be very effective. Studies continue to show that people create new brain cells and neural pathways no matter how old they are, which can boost their cognitive abilities. Some of the activities older adults can benefit from include playing instruments, learning new languages, and completing puzzles. Those who have mild dementia might enjoy drawing, looking at old pictures, or cooking simple meals.
A professional caregiver with training and expertise in methods of cognitive stimulation can be a wonderful source of support for a senior with dementia. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elderly home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s 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.
Engagein Strenuous Activities
Every older adult needs to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day. Exercising for just a half hour every day reduces brain inflammation, triggers the production of important hormones, boosts cardiovascular health, and lowers stress levels. Healthy seniors can try out a wide variety of strenuous activities, including dancing, hiking, swimming, and resistance training. Those who have been diagnosed with dementia might need to try easier tasks, such as walking around the house for five minutes at a time, stretching in bed, or sitting in a chair unassisted for as long as possible.
Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Clearwater 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. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (727) 330-7862 today.