Doctors and scientists have long been aware that there are certain risk factors for dementia that can be controlled. They are referred to as modifiable risk factors. In 2017, the Lancet Commission, a group of 28 dementia experts from around the globe, published a report in the Lancet journal that listed nine modifiable risk factors for dementia. In an updated 2020 report, the commission added an additional three risk factors.
The original list included:
- Lower level of education.
- Hearing loss.
- High blood pressure.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Depression.
- Social isolation.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Diabetes.
To that list, the Lancet Commission added:
- Head injuries.
- Drinking an excess of alcohol.
- Air pollution.
The report states that when all 12 of these risk factors are taken into account, they are responsible for about 40 percent of the world’s cases of dementia. When your older family member takes steps to control these risk factors, they can significantly lower the chances they will one day develop dementia. Home care can help seniors to control many of these risk factors. Some of the ways home care can help are described below.
Healthier Diet
With home care, older adults can eat healthier foods rather than relying on processed foods or fast foods that are simpler to prepare. Home care providers can assist with preparing meals and snacks that use more fresh, whole ingredients, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. By eating a healthier diet, seniors support their overall health, including reaching or maintaining a healthy weight.
More Social Contact
Many seniors have difficulty getting out of the house to interact with others because of physical disabilities or dementia. However, older adults with home care have the assistance and transportation they need to go out and run errands, go to their place of worship, or see friends.
Better Disease Management
Older adults with diabetes or hypertension can enjoy better disease management with the help of home care. Home care providers can remind them to take medications at the proper times and observe them to ensure they take the right dosage. Home care providers can also prepare meals that adhere to the guidelines set by a doctor or dietitian.
Support in Quitting Smoking
Quitting smoking can be very difficult, especially for an older adult who has smoked for decades. While the doctor can assist with smoking cessation techniques and medications, your aging relative is likely to need support at home to fight the urge to smoke. Home care providers can be part of the senior’s support team by offering encouragement in meeting their goal and by providing distractions from a desire to smoke.
Sources
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/updated-report-pinpoints-12-factors-that-could-help-prevent-dementia#The-updates:-Head-injury,-alcohol,-pollution
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Home Care in Pinellas Park, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
