Lifestyle Changes That May Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer’s deaths have increased by 123 percent in 15 years. There are 5.7 million seniors currently diagnosed with the disease. It’s expected that number will almost triple by 2050.
While research into new medications and treatments are ongoing, experts feel lifestyle changes are the best course of action for now. Here are five lifestyle changes that are recommended to help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Caregiver in Ada MI: Lifestyle Changes That May Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s
Aim for 30 Minutes of Exercise Every Day.
Get at least 30 minutes of exercise at least three days a week. More is better. This exercise should be aerobic in nature. A brisk walk is good as long as it’s fast and gets your heart pumping. It’s okay to break it down into three 10-minute sessions. It’s also ideal to mix the activities up. Do Zumba one day and swim laps on another.
Watch Your Diet.
Many doctors find that the Mediterranean diet is the easiest to follow and best for brain health. The diet focuses on avoidance of sugar and processed foods. You want a lot of fresh vegetables, seafood, whole grains, olive oil, and red wine.
Get Plenty of Sleep.
People differ, but you should aim for seven hours of sleep each night. If that doesn’t leave you feeling refreshed, boost it to eight hours. Some studies find that sleep helps the body heal and can help the brain flush some of the amyloid plaques from the brain.
Watch Your Blood Pressure.
High blood pressure impacts the body’s blood vessels. Maintain a healthy blood pressure. The goal is 120/80 or better. Test your blood pressure at home if possible and in stores that have blood pressure machines.
At the doctor’s office, you might feel stressed and nervous, which can lead to a higher reading. This is why it’s a good idea to test it when you’re relaxed at home. If it is high, talk to your doctor about measures you can take to lower it.
Take Care of Yourself.
More than 16 million people provide unpaid senior care to people with dementia. If you’re among them, you need to take care of yourself. Don’t give up your hobbies, friends, and interests completely. Too many caregivers focus on providing care to a parent and ignore their own needs.
Look into respite care services from professional caregivers. Caregivers can step in temporarily while you go out with friends or family members. They can provide a necessary break while you go to an appointment or run errands.
If you or someone you know needs help with caregiver services in Ada, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
Source:
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
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