In our previous blog, we discussed the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia symptoms.

This time, let’s focus on what you or your loved one can now do to deal with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

While there is currently no official cure for Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia, there are some practical and preventative measures that people can take to maintain or improve conditions.

A Nutritious Diet: Eating nutritious foods that contain vitamins C, D, and E, quality omega-3 fats, and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.

Some of these goods include:

• Leafy green vegetables such as:
  • •  Kale
    • Spinach
    • Cabbage
    • Collards
    • Chard
    • Romaine lettuce
    • Arugula
    • Leaf lettuce
    • Watercress
    • Bok choy
    • Non-starchy vegetables
      • broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts
• Fish
• Beans
• Nuts
• Olive oil
• Poultry
• Avocados
• Tea
• Fresh fruits
• Real or Pink Himalayan Salt

Prebiotic & Probiotic Foods can help strengthen the gut, which is largely your immune system.

• Prebiotic foods include:
• • Leeks
  • Dandelion greens
  • Mushrooms
  • Asparagus
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Green bananas (very seldom)
• Probiotic foods include:
• • Fermented veggies
  • Miso
  • Sauerkraut
  • Kimchi
  • Tempeh
  • Dill or sour pickles (that contain no sugar)

Low-Glycemic Foods: Avoid sugary foods and drinks. As with diabetes, researchers suggest that production of higher levels of insulin and blood sugar may worsen Alzheimer’s and Dementia symptoms.

Regular Fitness & Exercise: Consistent movement will improve not only your immune system and blood pressure, but your brain and eye health, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia symptoms.

Being overweight can increase inflammation in your body and increase your risk of developing other diseases.

Some ideas for exercise include:

• • Walking
  • Yoga
  • Tai Chi
  • Light Swimming
  • Water Aerobics
  • Chair Exercises
  • Light Weight Training
  • Meditation
  • Breathing

Maintain Blood Pressure and Cholesterol:

Eating healthy and nutritious foods can make a significant difference to one’s well-being.

Maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels is important to preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia from getting worse.

Good Quality Sleep:

Poor sleep may increase risk for mild cognitive/memory issues, so getting good sleep and even taking naps can help maintain or prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Stress Reduction:

We all know how stress can be debiliitating and cause all kinds of problems.

Finding ways to reduce or eliminate stress can do wonders for our health.

Some ways to reduce stress to maintain or prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia include:

• • Listening to music
  • Walk in the park
  • Meditation & breathing exercises
  • Aromatherapy
  • Talking to a friend
  • Spending quality time with a caregiver

Continuous Learning:

Read a good book, listen to a podcast, listen to an audio book, or pick up a magazine.

Good and continuous learning helps to keep the brain active and well-informed, even helping you and your loved ones better understand the maintenance of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Keep your mind active:

Board games or games with peers can help keep the brain active. 

A light hike with a peer or group of friends can also be beneficial to overall well-being.

Regular Check-Ups:

Take all medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Have one pharmacy or doctor confirm that the drugs you receive from different sources have no risks for interactions or interference with non-prescription drugs or other supplements such as herbal or mineral vitamins. 

Avoid destructive habits such as smoking, alcohol, or drug or medication overdose.

Socialize:

Talking to a friend, neighbor, family member or your caregiver may keep the brain active and lower the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Volunteering at your favorite organizations with missions that are important to you is also another way to increase your social circle of friends and acquaintances. 

Basically, you never have to be alone with one of our caregivers by your side.

Call us today to arrange care. 

One of our trained caregivers can help you or your loved while you face the challenges of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Refer a friend who needs home care.