Five Insights About Alzheimer's in 2022: Lifestyles, Habits, and Symptom Management
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Five Insights About Alzheimer's in 2022: Lifestyles, Habits, and Symptom Management

Many of us are conversant with someone who has experienced deteriorating cognitive function, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's can negatively impact a person's capacity to do activities of daily living, such as eating and getting dressed, and their overall quality of life in Sacramento-Placer County.

As the condition advances, your elderly loved one's abilities might change, and it becomes increasingly vital to assist them in maintaining good routines. Fortunately, factual evidence is that adopting certain lifestyle behaviors can help manage Alzheimer's symptoms and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Healthy habits for seniors with Alzheimer's include:

Proper Nutrition

Seniors living with Alzheimer's disease have a heightened need for a proper diet. As cognitive function declines, consuming regular, nutritious meals might become hard. Forgetting to eat, being overwhelmed by food options, and having difficulty using utensils can result in poor nutrition and weight loss. It can also lead to increased behavioral symptoms.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, you can improve your loved one's daily nutrition by offering a balanced, heart-healthy diet with various foods. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein in your senior's menu. Reduce their consumption of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, sodium, and processed foods.

Participation in Physical Activity Each Week

Aerobic exercise promotes cardiovascular fitness and includes brisk walking, jogging, and cycling. Moderate physical activities include brisk walking, raking the yard, and playing volleyball.

Combining balance training, cardiovascular exercise, and muscle-strengthening activities is the optimal physical activity for seniors. Balance training is essential for senior citizens to prevent falls and enhance their quality of life. Essentially, seniors should consult a physician for expert advice on the ideal physical activity that suits them.

Prevent Seniors With Alzheimer's From Falling

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of all seniors fall annually. Alzheimer's seniors are at a high risk of falling due to poor walking balance, poor judgment, and visual misinterpretation. To provide your elderly loved one with the safest environment possible, encourage frequent exercise. It is to enhance strength and balance and lower the risk of falling. In addition, you can reduce the risk of tripping and falling by placing grab bars in the bathroom and utilizing intense lighting.

Encourage Socializing

Social engagement may also lessen the risk of cognitive decline and aid in the prevention of dementia. Senior citizens can engage in various social activities incorporating other lifestyle practices like community exercise classes.  There are numerous options for elderly loved ones to become socially active such as joining a club or group, volunteering, and joining a community fitness center.

Mental Stimulation

Acquiring new material, enrolling in a class, or challenging your elderly loved one to try a new hobby or activity may enhance brain activity. Elderly loved ones may benefit from fostering social connections, which may help promote mental health. If your senior appreciates mental stimulation or brain workouts, engage more often in doing them.

Summing Up

Seniors with Alzheimer's can improve their physical and mental health by adopting healthy behaviors. Before beginning a new diet or fitness regimen, consult your physician for credible advice.

Senior Helpers Sacramento-Placer County offers caregiving Services to seniors who have Alzheimer's disease. Our caregivers are trained and provide quality services. Contact us to learn more insights on Alzheimer's disease management among senior citizens in Sacramento-Placer County.