How to Lower the Risk of Dementia in Aging Adults

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Lowering the Risk of Dementia in Aging Adults in Winnipeg, Canada

Dementia can make seniors feel powerless, and watching their loved ones being diagnosed with this disease can have a negative impact on family caregivers as well. However, by adopting healthy lifestyle changes, your elderly loved one can reduce the risk of developing dementia. The following strategies can help seniors stave off dementia and maintain good mental and emotional health. 

Stimulate the Brain

Just as the body needs exercise, so does the brain. Learning new things is one of the best ways for aging adults to stimulate their brains. Your loved one can sign up for a college course, volunteer for a charity, or learn a new skill such as painting or dancing. Seniors who keep their brains stimulated have better connected synapses. These synapses are known as cognitive reserves, and they compensate for the cognitive decline many seniors face as they age. Family caregivers should encourage their loved ones to develop new hobbies and learn new skills to stave off dementia and enjoy a high quality of life. 
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust in Winnipeg, Manitoba, home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.

Prevent Head Traumas 

Poor bone density, balance issues, and impaired vision could lead to falls that cause severe health conditions such as head traumas. When seniors experience head traumas, it could lead to a significant loss of consciousness that puts them at risk of developing dementia. To minimize your loved one’s risk of experiencing head trauma, make sure to remove rugs and mats, keep the hallways clutter-free and well lit, and encourage safe physical activities that build muscle strength. 

Serve Healthy Food

The foods your loved one eats could reduce his or her risk of dementia and help him or her maintain a high quality of life. Make sure your loved one eats plenty of vegetables that boost cognitive function and lower the risk of depression. Adding beans and legumes to your loved one’s diet can increase acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that is critical to brain function. Encourage your loved one to try foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as a salmon, tuna, avocados, olive oil, and flax seeds. These foods help the brain stay in good shape. 
Your senior loved one may need help preparing nutritious meals and making healthy lifestyle choices. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Winnipeg seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.

Reduce Stress Levels 

Maintaining an active and social lifestyle is an ideal way for seniors to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can also lower the risk of developing dementia. Social and mental stimulation protect a senior’s brain and keep it functioning normally. Some of the best activities that can help seniors reduce stress include dancing, yoga, gardening, and swimming. These activities also give seniors the opportunity to interact with other individuals. By reducing stress, your loved one can prevent damage to the areas of the brain that impact his or her thinking, memory, and emotional responses.
Dementia is one of the many serious health conditions your senior loved one is susceptible to. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Winnipeg live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust in professional live-in caregivers to enhance his or her quality of life. Whether your loved one needs minor help with daily tasks or comprehensive 24-hour in-home care, call Home Care Assistance at (204) 489-6000 today.

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