There are around 50 million people in the world suffering from dementia. It’s a debilitating disease that results in the older adult being unable to take care of themselves and requiring help to perform daily tasks. It’s an incredibly challenging disease for family caregivers to deal with. While scientists don’t know for certain what causes people to develop dementia, they have identified some ways older adults may be able to prevent it by making lifestyle changes. The good news is that the healthy habits that can prevent dementia may also prevent other kinds of disease.

Below are 4 such healthy habits.

#1: Physical Activity

There is some evidence that engaging in regular exercise can reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 50 percent. It has also been shown to slow cognitive decline in people who have dementia. Exercise helps to stimulate the brain, keeping connections active and creating new ones. Older adults should try to exercise at moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes per week.

#2: Stay Connected

Social connections have been proven to be an important part of preventing dementia. Although the exact reason for this is uncertain, experts think it has something to do with the way interacting with other people stimulates the brain.

#3: Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating a healthy diet may prevent damage to the brain caused by inflammation and insulin resistance. Experts recommend following a heart healthy diet to protect the brain. This means eating a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. A healthy diet also limits sugar and avoids trans fats.

#4: Keep the Brain Active

Life-long learning and mental activity can stave off cognitive decline. Studies show that doing things that challenge the brain reduces the risk of dementia. Older adults can benefit from things like taking a class to learn a new skill, doing crossword puzzles, or playing a musical instrument.

Elder care can help your aging relative to prevent dementia by assisting them to maintain healthy habits. An elder care provider can assist with planning and making healthy, balanced meals. An elder care provider can even drive the older adult to the store to do their grocery shopping. Elder care providers can also aid the senior in maintaining their social connections by helping them to entertain friends at home or driving them to places where they can interact with others, such as their place of worship, social engagements, and public places like the library. In addition, elder care providers can increase physical activity by going for walks with the senior or involving them in household activities.

Sources:  https://www.aarp.org/health/dementia/info-2019/dementia-who-guidelines.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS4-REALPOSS-TODAY
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/prevention

Preventing or Slowing Down Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

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