Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that is common in aging adults. The disease slowly destroys the way seniors communicate, think, and carry out the simplest tasks. The La Mesa elderly home care experts at Coast Care Partners discuss a few Alzheimer’s risk factors in older adults.
1. Hypertension
High blood pressure can damage small blood vessels in the brain that are responsible for memory and thinking. Seniors who control their blood pressure levels have a better chance of lowering their risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those living with hypertension. To prevent high blood pressure, aging adults should:
• Eat healthy
• Exercise regularly
• Limit sodium intake
• Avoid caffeine
• Manage stress levels
2. Decrease in Brain Stimulation
When your loved one doesn’t use his or her brain cells, the cells will die. Having brain tissues with fewer nerve cells increases the odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important for your loved one to remain mentally and physically active. Exercising, taking up hobbies, volunteering, and playing brain games are some of the ways your loved one can stimulate his or her mind.
3. Poor Eating Habits
Foods high in fats, sugars, and sodium can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Red meats and junk foods are full of nitrosamines that can cause the liver to produce fats that are toxic to the brain. Other foods that are high in nitrosamines include white rice, pasta, cakes, sugar, and white bread. Encourage your loved one to eat more vegetables to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Kale, spinach, and other leafy greens are brain-boosting foods that stave off age-related cognitive decline.
4. Lack of Social Connections
Having a strong social network that includes family members and friends can help seniors stave off Alzheimer’s. When seniors socialize, they use their critical thinking skills and short-term memory. Socialization can also help seniors prevent boredom and loneliness, which are two issues that increase the odds of cognitive impairment. Encourage your loved one to join social groups, sign up for community activities, take up a new hobby, and participate in local activities that expand his or her social connections.
5. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Heavy drinking can damage nerve tissues over time and cause chemical changes in the brain. Since alcohol is a toxin, it can shrink brain tissue and disrupt the way the brain stores information. If your loved one cannot stop drinking immediately, encourage him or her to switch to red wine and give up beer. Red wine can promote brain metabolism and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Older adults who need help making healthy lifestyle choices that promote longevity can benefit from professional home care. La Mesa seniors trust Coast Care Partners for all their in-home care needs. We have a team of professionally trained caregivers who can help aging adults with daily tasks such as meal prep and simple housekeeping. Our caregivers are also trained to assist seniors living with serious health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease. To create a customized in-home care plan for your elderly loved one, give us a call at 619-354-2544 today.
