How to Reduce a Senior’s Risk of Dementia

Seniors are at a higher risk of developing various age-related illnesses, including dementia. However, there are changes they can make to lower the risk. Here are some of the things you can do to help your loved one stave off dementia. 

Discourage Smoking

It can be difficult for seniors who have smoked most of their lives to quit, but smoking puts them at a higher risk of developing dementia. Smoking causes the arteries to narrow and blood pressure to rise, which has a negative effect on brain function. To help your loved one stop smoking, encourage him or her to engage in activities such as painting or playing cards when the urge to smoke arises. You should also have healthy snacks around the home to curb smoking cravings.  If your loved one needs help quitting cigarettes, maintaining healthy habits, and accomplishing daily tasks, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Cedar Falls, IA, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Encourage Regular Exercise

Regular exercise makes the heart and circulatory system more efficient. Physical activity also keeps a senior’s blood pressure at a healthy level, which reduces the risk of dementia. Choose some simple exercise routines your loved one can do, such as water aerobics, yoga, and bicycling. Help your loved one plant a garden, or plan dancing activities. Aging adults with limited mobility may need assistance with exercise and other daily tasks. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Cedar Falls respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.

Serve Brain-Healthy Foods

Buy foods for your loved one that are healthy for the brain, including colorful fruits and vegetables, salmon, eggs, and nuts. These foods can help your loved one’s brain function normally, and they may stave off dementia. When you prepare your loved one’s meals, make sure the foods contain the following:

• Fiber
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamins 

Provide Support

There is more to caring for an elderly loved one than bathing, grocery shopping, cooking, or cleaning up around the home. While those things are important, it is also necessary to provide the support and affection your loved one craves. Depression and isolation are two factors that contribute to dementia. However, if your loved one can count on you for support and companionship, he or she could lower the risk of developing dementia. The next time you go to the library to read, run an errand, or visit the local park, ask your loved one to go with you. If you notice your loved one being distant, do not wait for him or her to tell you what is wrong. Instead, offer support and let him or her know you are always there to talk. Families who need additional assistance caring for an elderly loved one should consider hiring a professional caregiver. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Cedar Falls, IA, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. If you need a break from your caregiving duties, call us at 319-260-2222 today.