Memory loss is an issue family caregivers should never take lightly. Although there are no guaranteed ways to prevent memory loss, seniors can take the following steps to slow its progression.
1. Get Plenty of Rest
When sleeping, the body rids the brain of dangerous toxins that lead to memory loss. However, getting adequate rest becomes difficult with age. Develop bedtime routines that help your aging loved one wind down and get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. These routines could include avoiding heavy meals and snacks prior to bedtime, taking a warm shower, and limiting distractions by turning off televisions and mobile phones.
Lack of sleep is just one of the many issues older adults may have to experience. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality in-home care. Trust Align Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
Certain foods can affect the way the brain works. When seniors eat foods that cause inflammation, it can impact the way they communicate. Some foods can also affect short-term memory. The best brain-boosting foods include kale, salmon, nuts, olive oil, skinless poultry, and certain fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Your loved one should also avoid drinking beverages that are full of caffeine and alcohol.
3. Stay Socially Active
Socializing regularly is a good way for seniors to stave off depression and stress and prevent memory loss. Aging adults who remain socially active can lower their risk of boredom and isolation. Look for ways your loved one can socialize, such as joining a local art club, going to community functions, and signing up for activities at a senior center.
For families living in Kennebunk, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Align Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
4. Engage in Moderate Exercise
It’s important for aging adults to stay physically active because it can stimulate the mind and increase circulation. Engaging in physical activities can boost blood flow through the entire body, including the brain. As a result, the mind can stay sharp and the odds of developing memory loss decrease.
5. Manage Health Conditions
Some conditions, such as diabetes, can put seniors at higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, older adults who manage these conditions or prevent them altogether are better able to preserve their memory and boost their cognitive health. Your loved one can manage his or her current health conditions by going to the doctor and having his or her medications reviewed frequently.
6. Remain Mentally Engaged
It’s important to participate in mentally stimulating activities to keep the brain in good shape. Puzzles and board games are some of the activities older adults can engage in to boost their memory. Seniors can also play games on their smartphones, computers, and other web-enabled devices. These games are fun, and they provide the brain with mental exercise.
Seniors who need help making healthy lifestyle choices should consider professional in-home care. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare. Kennebunk families can rely on Align Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (207) 835-3490.