By Gabrielle Brackett, MS, MPH
June is Alzheimer’s Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about brain health, Alzheimer’s disease, and all other dementia. An estimated 5.8 million Americans age 65 years and older have Alzheimer’s dementia in 2020, including 690,000 people in California. The number of people with Alzheimer’s dementia in California is expected to rise to 840,000 by year 2025.
While there is no way to prevent, slow, or cure Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, growing evidence shows that “people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Follow these 10 tips to help you achieve optimal brain health this June:
1. Exercise. Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills in-home caregivers can support your senior parent with light exercise activities.
2. Hit the books. Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
3. Don’t smoke. Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.
4. Engage in heart-healthy habits. Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke — obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes — negatively impact your cognitive health. SYNERGY HomeCare’s in-home caregivers can ensure that your senior parent attend doctor’s appointments, take proper medications, and eat a healthy diet to manage their heart health.
5. Prevent head trauma. Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls. SYNERGY HomeCare’s in-home caregivers can help your senior parent avoid falls by clearing pathways through the home, providing light housekeeping services, and helping to install grab bars and other safety tools in the home.
6. Eat healthy. Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction. SYNERGY HomeCare’s in-home caregivers can help plan healthy meals, prepare a shopping list, go grocery shopping, and prepare healthy meals for your senior parent.
7. Stick to a bedtime routine. Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking. SYNERGY HomeCare’s in-home caregivers can help your loved one stick to a healthy bedtime schedule.
8. Care for your mental health. Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills in-home caregivers provide companionship services to help your senior parent combat the loneliness that is often caused by social isolation.
9. Stay social. Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Staying active and maintaining a level of independence are important for the health and happiness of your senior parent. Our in-home caregivers, who are here to make the best of every moment for your aging parent, can help them safely connect with friends and family.
10. Challenge your brain. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Paint a picture. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically.
If your senior parent lives with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, call SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. SYNERGY HomeCare’s in-home caregivers are highly skilled and trained to care for your loved one living with dementia. Our in-home caregivers help to:
• Adapt your parent’s home environment to enhance safety and independence.
• Provide transportation for medical, community, and social appointments.
• Provide reminders for medication.
• Provide enhanced social activities appropriate to the needs of your parent.
• Offer meal planning and preparation to ensure good nutritional support.
• Provide personal care services including grooming, personal hygiene, and dressing.
• Help with household tasks.
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, visit alz.org.
About SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona/ Riverside
SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona/ Riverside is the name you can trust in Corona, Norco, Riverside, Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar for personal home care. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona/ Riverside is part of a national franchise of non-medical home care offices dedicated to providing exceptional and affordable service to anyone of any age. SYNERGY HomeCare’s caregivers are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, to those in need – including seniors, expectant moms, those suffering from sports injuries and debilitating illnesses, and more.
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SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona/Riverside offers no obligation home assessments. Contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
