Alzheimer’s disease is one of the biggest concerns seniors face as they get older. However, there are many lifestyle changes your senior loved one can make to reduce the risk of developing this disease. The trusted San Diego home care experts at Coast Care Partners have put together a list of a few brain-healthy choices your loved one can make to stave off Alzheimer’s.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Your loved one should cut down on eating sugary foods and foods with trans fats because they cause inflammation and produce free radicals that cause significant damage to the brain. Limiting the amount of processed food your loved one eats could reduce his or her risk of cognitive impairment. Eating foods with omega-3 fatty acids can protect the body from free radicals and help your loved one maintain a healthy weight.
Here are some of the healthy foods that should be included in your loved one’s diet:
- Salmon
- Vegetables
- Beans
- Whole grains
- Non-fried and non-packaged foods
- Fish and olive oil
Avoid Isolation
Having strong social support is a great way for your loved one to stay mentally active. Being alone can lead to depression, stress, and anxiety. If your loved one experiences these feelings, his or her body could go through a variety of changes, including clogged arteries due to too much production of the stress hormone cortisol. As a result, oxygen and blood will not flow through the body properly, preventing the brain from functioning, which could have a negative impact on your loved one’s short and long-term memory and thinking skills. However, staying social increases your loved one’s chances of preventing depression and stress while reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Control Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the brain responsible for thinking and memory, and it also makes the heart work harder, which damages the arteries. Your loved one can maintain healthy blood pressure by following a well-balanced diet and exercising to lower his or her blood sugar. Your loved one’s doctor can also recommend supplements to prevent hypertension. Failing to control blood pressure could increase your loved one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Drink Wine and Grape Juice
These two beverages, when consumed in moderation, can protect your loved one’s brain cells. It is best to drink a glass of wine or grape juice after an evening meal. Drinking one of these beverages each day can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by protecting the brain against the effects of oxidative stress and beta amyloid. If your loved one chooses wine, make sure he or she sniffs the alcoholic beverage before drinking it. Sniffing the wine can enhance the areas of the brain tied to smell and memory. Your loved one shouldn’t drink more than one glass of wine per day. Drinking too much alcohol could lead to hypertension.
If your senior loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease or another serious condition, consider hiring a professional caregiver who can help him or her manage the activities of daily living. When looking for expertly trained, trustworthy, and reliable caregivers in San Diego, look no further than Coast Care Partners. Our in-home caregivers are trained to assist seniors with daily tasks, provide companionship, and much more. Call 619-354-2544 today to find out how our caregivers can promote your loved one’s quality of life.
