Dementia is a term used to describe a group of conditions affecting memory, thinking and social abilities, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most the most common type. The CDC estimates there are around 5.8 million people in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. While there are some risk factors you cannot control, such as age and genetics, reducing risk factors that can be controlled is possible and research shows that one-third of the population can reduce their risk of dementia by doing the following.
Physical Activity: Get up and move your body. Studies show that exercise keeps your blood pressure in check, increases blood flow to the brain, and reduces body weight, all of which can reduce your risk for dementia. Activities such as a 15-minute walk several times a week, chair-based yoga, and low impact exercise classes are easy ways to get your body moving.
Diet. A healthy well-balanced diet is one of the best things you can do for your body and reduces the risk for dementia. Incorporate whole grains, vegetables, fish, and chicken while reducing your intake of white bread, red meat, saturated fats, rice, sweets, and drinks high in sugar. Aim to eat a couple servings of berries every week and veggies daily. High blood pressure and diabetes greatly increase your chances of dementia and cause a number of other health problems so it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Socialization. There are higher incidences of dementia among the older population who don’t socialize much and are often more isolated, which can lead to depression, increasing the risk of dementia. It’s important when looking at assisted living facilities that you inquire about the socialization and interaction amongst residents. Consider activities such a puzzles, interacting with family, crafts or crossword puzzles, or anything that is mentally stimulating. Take up an old hobby or develop a new one. These activities all help to preserve thinking skills.
Limit or stop the vices. Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption, both of which significantly increase the risk of dementia and other alcohol-related brain illnesses.
Check your hearing. This is one that’s often overlooked. There is a strong correlation between mild hearing loss and cognitive decline because you’re no longer getting that mental stimulation when you can’t hear and ultimately, lose out on the interaction.
Medications. Ensure that you speak to your doctor about the medications you are on as taking the wrong combination of medications has been linked to higher risks of dementia. Taking sleep aids, allergy medications, and antihistamines can also cause what is sometime referred to as reversible dementia.
Aria Senior Living residences make every effort to incorporate all of the above into our residents’ daily routines. Through our R.I.S.E. Program, we offer daily exercise programs, healthy dining options consisting of mainly non-processed foods, and in-house hearing clinics. We believe that socialization and stimulation play an equally large role in reducing the risk of dementia which is why all of our evidence-based residences are designed to feel like a home, making it easier for residents to socialize and interact with one another. Our smaller design offers many positive benefits such as less isolation, leading to less depression and anxiety, an increase in friendships, and less falls (due to less obstacles and proximity to rooms).
People often find that their loved one’s health and well-being actually improves in a facility because they are getting the care that family members wanted to provide but couldn’t effectively provide at home. If you need any help with transitioning a loved one into assisted living, or if you just have questions, please reach out to us at 330-618-0453.
