How to Help Your Senior Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s

No one wants to receive a diagnosis indicating they have Alzheimer' disease. It is a devastating disease that slowly robs your loved one of their abilities to problem solve and communicate. Finally, sometimes after many heart-wrenching years, they pass on without knowing your name. Yes, being told you or your senior has Alzheimer's is the last thing either of you wants to hear. What if it were possible to reduce the risk of developing it? Research indicates that may be a possibility. Why not take the chance and help your senior reduce their risk with some proactive steps and a qualified home health aide?

Ways to Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

There can be genetic factors affecting who gets Alzheimer's. Age and race play a factor. However, it may be possible to mitigate the onset of this terrible disease. Consider these suggestions and see how you can implement them in your aging parent's life:

Physical Health: It starts with increasing their physical health by:

• Controlling high blood pressure so that the effects on the heart, blood vessels, and brain don't lead to stroke or vascular dementia.
• Managing blood sugar. Diabetes may also increase the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, cognitive impairment, and dementia.
• Encouraging a better lifestyle with a healthy diet, managing weight, and exercise. These three factors can control blood pressure and blood sugar, as well as lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's and dementia.
• Getting plenty of sleep allows the body time to rejuvenate and helps cognition.
• Preventing head injuries from concussions and other brain injuries.
• Stopping tobacco use lowers the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or lung disease.
• Reducing alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of falls and lessen other health issues like diabetes, memory loss, and mood disorders.

Mental Health: Another area of focus is on mental health with steps such as:

• Keeping the brain active with activities such as reading, playing board games, finding a hobby, volunteering, and socializing, is a step in the right direction.
• Engaging with family and friends keeps your senior from becoming isolated and lonely, contributing to cognitive decline.
• Taking steps to protect hearing helps mitigate future loss. One interesting piece of information is a cross between physical health and mental health. If your father or mother suffers from hearing loss, they may find it difficult to interact with others, contributing to isolation.

Get Support for a Healthy Lifestyle with Home Instead

Sometimes your secret weapon to helping your senior get on track with their health is through the services of a home health care service. The team at Home Instead Etobicoke supports seniors and their families with various home care services, including home chores, cooking nutritious meals, or give the family caregiver a respite break. We can help your loved one take charge of their health before Alzheimer's tries to steal it away. Let us work together to establish the best service package for your senior when you call us today.

Call us at (416) 239-2200 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver, every day, to families in All Etobicoke including: Kingsway, Mimico, Long Branch, Islington, Richview, The Community of Humber Heights, Rexdale, Markland Woods.

You may also be interested in advice for Alzheimer's care at home.