Tactics for preventing dementia that work for one senior may not have the same effects on another. Instead, it might be worth trying some unconventional methods to prevent the condition. Here’s a list of unique strategies you can use to reduce your senior loved one’s risk of dementia.
1. Install Water Filters
In the past, many homes were built with copper pipes and faucets, and being exposed to large quantities of this heavy metal can damage the brain. A 2013 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed copper actually fuels dementia and can trigger its onset. If completely replacing the pipes isn’t an option, your loved one should install a whole-home filtration system that extracts copper from his or her water supply.
2. Stop Using Allergy Medication
A number of common painkillers and allergy drugs have been linked to the development of dementia. Many of these medications contain anticholinergic ingredients that physically alter how the brain processes and organizes data. Seniors with seasonal allergies should consider natural treatments, such as essential oils, organic honey, and vitamin supplements.
Seniors with certain health conditions may find it difficult to manage their health on their own. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
3. Sleep in a Supine Position
While we sleep, our brains undergo a waste-clearing process that removes damaged molecules and reorganizes the molecules we use daily. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found sleeping on the stomach could hamper this process and potentially lead to long-term damage. Sleeping on the side or back can increase the amount of oxygen that gets to the brain by opening up the airways.
4. Eat More Fish
Fresh fish contains two important fatty acids known as DHA and EPA. As we grow older, these acids boost our cognitive abilities, protect our memories, and prevent dementia. Seniors who don’t regularly consume fish should consider taking a high-quality fish oil supplement that contains a large dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
Professional caregivers can help seniors get the nutrition they need to stay healthy. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Orlando families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
5. Consume Foods with Turmeric
A group of researchers hired by the World Health Organization discovered less than one percent of seniors living in rural India have Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia. These researchers believe turmeric could be partially responsible for this phenomenon. Turmeric and many curry dishes contain a substance known as curcumin, which can protect the brain by preventing inflammation and other forms of damage.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Orlando families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.
