It seems that every day there is a new article on links that have been made to Alzheimer’s disease, or tips that can help prevent the memory-robbing condition. There are so many, it is hard to keep up with, but we know that home care New England clients, as well as other people around the country with aging parents, want to be in the know. So how exactly do you decipher which advice is actually worthwhile to follow and which are just based on speculation?

It can be difficult to fully understand Alzheimer’s disease, especially since the experts are still unclear about many aspects of the disease. What they do know is that Alzheimer’s disease is typically diagnosed in individuals over the age of 65 (though sometimes earlier), and it is a disease that worsens as it progresses. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, but there are many that are common; including difficulty with short term memory, confusion, irritability, mood swings, and trouble communicating.

The cause of Alzheimer’s is still not completely understood, though extensive research has indicated an association with plaques and tangles in the brain. There is no known cure and any treatments available will only manage symptoms; not stop the disease.

For individuals who want to do as much as they can to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, the following are tips that have been found to be the most effective of them all:

1. Exercise. Movement is good for the body and good for the brain. Many links have been made between Alzheimer’s disease and inactivity. Walking has been shown to limit brain shrinkage. Walking for 20 to 30 minutes twice a week is all that is needed to significantly reduce the risk of dementia.
2. Take a class or develop a brain boosting hobby. Individuals who keep active mentally are less likely to develop the disease. This could mean taking a class, attending lectures, doing puzzles on a regular basis, reading, or any other number of activities that tap into your critical thinking capacity.
3. Quit smoking. If you are a lifelong non-smoker, great! If you happen to be one of the many people that have developed this habit, stopping can help you in more ways than one. Not only will your physical health begin improving immediately after your last cigarette, but your brain will too.
4. Eat well. Diets high in fat content have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, as has obesity. Antioxidant rich foods, as well as those with omega-3, can help protect against dementia.

We can be there if you or a loved one is diagnosed. MAS Home Care specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Call one of our home care New England locations today to learn more!

MAS Home Care provides in-home care services to the elderly, chronically ill and physically disabled in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.