Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease for Seniors in Wheat Ridge and Denver, CO
Our home care aides can help your loved one stick to healthy habits in order to minimize their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Not only do we provide quality Alzheimer's care in Wheat Ridge, Denver and surrounding areas in Colorado, but we also help our clients stay healthy and independent for years to come.
Alzheimer's disease is a major health concern among the senior population as the disease is, sadly, incurable. However, certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing this debilitating condition.
At Visiting Angels Denver, our expert home care aides can help your loved one boost their brain health and successfully control personal risk factors. Not only do we aim to provide quality Alzheimer's care in Wheat Ridge, Denver and surrounding communities, but we also help our clients stay healthy and independent in their own homes by helping them maintain routines that improve their overall well-being.
Mental Stimulation
Seniors who regularly engage in mentally stimulating activities can keep their minds sharp and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. According to a study at the National Institute of Health (NIH), older adults who underwent at least 10 sessions of mental training had a long-lasting improvement in their cognitive functioning.
The following activities can help your loved one reduce the likelihood of Alzheimer's:
- Learning new information or adapting new skills
- Getting better at things they already enjoy such as hobbies or past-time activities
- Practice memorization
- Playing strategy games or cards, solving puzzles
Regular Exercise
When it comes to reducing the risk of Alzheimer's, staying physically active is just as important as maintaining mental faculties. Regular physical exercise helps keep cholesterol levels in check and reduces weight and blood pressure, which are also risk factors for this cognitive condition.
In fact, according to the Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation, regularly exercising can reduce a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's by up to 50 percent!
Your loved one should:
- Include at least 150 minutes of low-impact exercise each week
- Try out a combination of cardio and strength training
- Consider adding balance and coordination exercises
If your loved one is having trouble sticking to an exercise routine, our home care aides can help. We can provide transportation to gyms and community centers, remind your loved one to exercise daily and more.
Eat Healthy
Just like exercise and mental stimulation, a nutritious diet is integral in warding off Alzheimer's disease. To boost their overall health and minimize the risk of Alzheimer's, your loved one should:
- Reduce sugar intake
- Avoid consuming trans fats
- Eat foods rich in omega-3 fats
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Drink tea 2 to 4 times a day
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Opt for cooking at home instead of ordering takeout
Our home care aides can help your loved one stick to a healthy diet with meal planning and preparation services. We can help plan delicious and nutritious meals, go grocery shopping, cook meals and more.
Stay Socially Active
Even a moderate amount of daily social interaction can do wonders for your loved one's memory and brain health. Here are some fun ideas that can help your mom or dad to stay socially engaged:
- Participate in weekly activities with friends
- Join a local senior club
- Chat with friends or family over the phone
- Use social media to keep in touch with loved ones out of town
Getting Good Sleep
Getting a good night';s rest is essential for flushing out brain toxins, reducing stress and maintaining overall wellness. If your loved one is having some sleeping issues, they should follow these suggestions in order to get a restful sleep:
- Adhere to a regular sleeping schedule
- Remove the TV set and computer from the bedroom
- Adopt a relaxing bedtime ritual like taking a bath or reading a book
- Avoid napping more than once during the day
Our home care aides can make sure your loved one sleeps well at night. We can draw a relaxing bath, help them get into bed, monitor them at night so they don't wander and more.
Manage Stress
Constant stress can be one of the key triggers of Alzheimer's disease as it can interfere with nerve cell growth and contribute to shrinkage of memory capacities. Your loved one can manage stress in a healthy way if they:
- Remember to take deep breaths when they feel stressed
- Adopt relaxation techniques like yoga or a soothing bath
- Promote inner peace through meditation or prayer
- Find more time for fun activities
At Visiting Angels Denver, a professional home care aide can assist with various daily activities, provide loving companionship, and engage your loved one in mentally stimulating activities, thus helping reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. Call our Wheat Ridge, CO office today and learn more!
Visiting Angels provides quality home care services for seniors in Arvada, Aurora, Denver, Glendale, Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and the surrounding areas of Colorado.