Alzheimers Care And Prevention

As people continue to live longer, Alzheimer's care is a growing concern. If you have a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer's/dementia, you know that affording them the appropriate senior care is both financially and emotionally taxing. If you are concerned about your own chance of developing dementia, there are certain steps and behaviors you may adopt to reduce your risk.

The first, and perhaps most vital, course of action is to keep your mind active. Mentally stimulating activities may improve your ability to cope with or compensate for the changes associated with dementia. These brain exercises include puzzles, word games, learning a new language, playing an instrument, reading, writing, painting, and drawing. These hobbies may delay the onset of dementia and decrease its impact; the more frequent the activity, the better the benefits.

Being physically and socially active may also postpone the appearance of dementia and lessen its symptoms. Social and physical activities keep both your mind and body engaged. Social activities may consist of traveling, attending the theater and art exhibits, and playing cards and games. Physical activities refer to walking, swimming, and dancing.

Furthering your education offers you a consistent form of mental stimulation. People who have spent more time in formal education appear to have a lower rate of mental decline, even when they have brain abnormalities. Researchers believe that education may help your brain form a strong nerve cell network that compensates for nerve cell damage caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Early research indicates that large doses of the B vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid help lower homocysteine levels and seem to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. And, lower cholesterol levels may help prevent the onset and progression of vascular dementia. People with high cholesterol levels develop deposits on the brain, which is one of the causes of this form of dementia. Statin drugs help lower cholesterol levels and thus may also decrease the likelihood of developing this form of dementia. And, studies indicate that maintaining a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are generally found in fish and nuts, may have a protective effect and reduce your risk of getting dementia.

If you have diabetes, keeping it under control is a form of preventative Alzheimer's care. Managing it also diminishes your chances of vascular dementia. Smoking definitely increases your risk of dementia. Some studies show that your risk of developing smoking-induced dementia decreases once you quit the habit. However, at least one large study discovered that if you are a heavy smoker (going through more than two packs a day) in midlife, it doubles your risk of dementia, even two decades later. Quitting smoking also lowers your blood pressure and keeping it at normal levels may greatly reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Make sure you have all appropriate vaccinations, such as those for influenza, tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. People who have them appear to have a greatly reduced risk of Alzehimer's disease, so keeping up with your vaccinations may have a positive impact on preventing dementia.

Information is frequently released on Alzheimer's care and dementia prevention. With senior care becoming an increasingly important issue, it is important that you arm yourself with knowledge for the sake of you and your loved ones.