Dealing with Alzheimer’s or any form of memory impairment can be a challenging experience that significantly alters the way you or a loved one live their life. However, with ongoing research and awareness, we can gain a better understanding of the condition and learn how to manage its symptoms. By researching and learning more every day, we can slowly but surely do everything we can to ensure a loved one with memory impairment has the best quality of life possible.
But naturally, nobody wants to develop the condition, so it begs the question: does anything help prevent Alzheimer’s? Unfortunately, the answer is no. While there are many things you can do to lessen the chance of developing memory impairment, there is no guaranteed solution.
Fortunately, with some lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of developing memory impairment in the future!
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease, more commonly known as Alzheimer’s, is a memory impairment condition caused by degeneration in the brain. It leads to significant cognitive decline as time passes, leading to memory problems, concentration issues, and behavioral changes.
The most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:
- Memory loss or forgetfulness
- Concentration problems
- Difficulty multitasking or planning
- Communication problems
- Sudden confusion
- Personality changes
- Difficulty with daily living
Because Alzheimer’s causes direct memory impairment, someone struggling with this condition will show more of these symptoms as the disease progresses.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s, or memory impairment in general, is still generally unknown. More is being researched every day about memory impairment, so there are some things known to be linked to the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s, like:
- Genetics
- Physical environment
- Lifestyle
Researchers are continuing to learn more about this condition every day. While the exact cause is unknown, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it!
How to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s
Due to the nature of Alzheimer’s, there is no guaranteed way to completely prevent its development. However, as we learn more about the condition, there are some methods that can reduce your risk of this condition developing. By properly staying mentally and physically active, engaging socially, and following a healthy lifestyle, you’re taking a big step towards reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s.
Staying Mentally Active
One of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s is to stay mentally active. By stimulating your brain through puzzles and memory games you’re able to help improve your cognitive function. Learning something new, like a different language or playing an instrument, creates new neural connections and trains your brain to be engaged.
Staying Physically Active
Staying physically active has also been linked to reducing the risk of developing memory impairment. For seniors over the age of 60, it’s recommended to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. Going for a walk, stretching and moving around the house, slowly dancing, or even gardening—when it comes to physical exercise, it’s hard to go wrong!
It’s also recommended to spend some time each week on muscle-strengthening exercises. By following a proper fitness routine, you can both reduce your risk of developing memory impairment and keep a high quality of life!
Socializing More Often
When it comes to socializing, it provides more benefits than you may think. Socializing helps combat feelings of loneliness or isolation and does wonders for reducing stress, but it doesn’t stop there.
Due to the nature of human conversation, spending time chatting with a friend tends to utilize the parts of the brain that focus on problem-solving and memory recollection. This challenges and stimulates your brain!
It also helps you plan and organize outings, events, or meetings, which helps fight cognitive decline.
Following a Healthy Diet
One of the most important things you can do as you age is to follow a healthy diet and live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet that focuses on giving you the nutrients your body needs plays a role in almost every part of your life, and when it comes to your cognitive health, that doesn’t change. A properly balanced diet has been linked to significantly reducing the risk of developing memory impairment, with the Mediterranean diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, and low amounts of fat) leading as the most promising option.
There is a variation of this diet referred to as the MIND diet (Mediterranean Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) that incorporates the best parts of several diets together. This diet includes the following:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Other vegetables
- Berries
- Whole grains
- Fish, poultry, and seafood
- Beans
- Nuts
All of these foods have been linked to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s!
What is the Best Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease??
At the end of the day, the best way to treat memory impairment is to provide your loved one with the best support possible. And more often than not, the best support is available in a memory care community.
These communities are set up specifically to help residents with memory impairment have the best quality of life possible, and have all kinds of programs and support available to help combat cognitive decline. The staff is always well-trained to address the complications that memory impairment may provide, so you can rest easy knowing your loved one is receiving the best care possible.
Here at Fox Trail Memory Care, we care about each and every one of our residents and their families. We understand the complicated nature of memory impairment, and we provide our residents with all the support they need to ensure they have the best quality of life possible. We know Alzheimer’s can be frustrating, so we’re here to help you. Schedule a tour today to see for yourself the high quality of care we provide!
