There is a misconception that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the inevitable conditions of growing older. This is definitely not true. Even though there currently isn’t a known cure or cause for the disease, there are changes that you can make to your lifestyle in order to lower your overall risk of contracting Alzheimer’s. Here are some ways that you can improve the odds.
Boost Your Brainpower
While it is not a muscle, the brain functions similarly: The more often that you use it, the stronger and healthier it will be. As Alzheimer’s is a cognitive disease that affects the brain, by training your brainpower by playing memory skill-based games or online reasoning games, you will also be able to strengthen your brain against cognitive decline. Research has shown that by doing so, even adults well over the age of 50 will be able to continue carrying out everyday tasks without assistance.
Learn a Second Language
By learning multiple languages, it can help to sharpen your cognitive skills. While studies were done on individuals who mastered lifelong bilingualism, the practice of learning a new language even in your older years will have a direct impact on lowering the rates of dementia and memory issues. While a direct causation link has not been established, there is strong reason to believe that learning more languages can help your brain to become more resilient again dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Start Eating Healthier
In particular, there are two forms of diets that have been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Namely, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mediterranean diet. This is because the foods that they advocate for are heart-healthy and also have the potential to protect the brain. Even if you are not interested in sticking to a strict diet, you can help to lower the probabilities by eating more fruits, vegetables, and fish. Overall, having a balanced diet will help to not just improve your brain health, but also your overall physical health.
Avoid Brain Injury
While this may not always be possible, precautions such as wearing a seat belt or improving your sense of balance are amazing first steps that can help to reduce brain injuries. Brain injuries and trauma have been shown to increase, and even double, a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s in their older years.
Memory Care at Discovery Village At Sugarloaf
If you believe that you or your loved one is starting to struggle with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, one of the ways that you can get additional help with daily activities is at a memory care community. Here at Discovery Village At Sugarloaf, we offer personalized care and exclusive senior living programs that are designed to help with mitigating the symptoms of dementia while still encouraging residents to live a life with independence and dignity.
