Dementia is a rapidly growing health condition all around the world. 50 million people globally are already affected by issues pertaining to memory and thinking. Additionally, nearly 10 million people are diagnosed with dementia each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this number is predicted to triple in the next 30 years.
Many people with dementia opt to live in dementia care, so there’s somebody present to take care of them at all times.
What is Dementia Exactly?
Dementia is an illness characterised by a deterioration in cognitive function beyond what might be expected from normal ageing. Through our dementia home care Sandhurst specialists’ experience, we’ve found that dementia affects a person’s capability to remember, think, comprehend, calculate, learn, speak their language(s) and make judgments.
Dementia could be the result of a variety of diseases and injuries to the brain such as Alzheimer’s and a stroke.
Whilst there isn’t a treatment for dementia, there are some lifestyle changes you can make that can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. As live in dementia care specialists, we understand that despite the fact that there are some things that affect your risk of dementia that cannot be altered, such as your age or genes, there are plenty of things you do have the power to change.
Worried about dementia? Here are 5 healthy habits our dementia home care Sandhurst experts recommend adopting now to protect yourself from the deterioration of your brain functions and reduce your risk of dementia.
1. Exercise regularly
Research has found that one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of dementia is by taking part in regular physical exercise. The WHO has concluded that whatever is good for your heart, is also good for your brain.
In addition, studies reveal that people who exercised regularly were far less likely to develop cognitive decline and dementia in comparison to those who led a sedentary life.
Our dementia home care Sandhurst specialists suggest doing a combination of activities that you enjoy, so you can stick to them. Afterall, consistency is key. Examples include aerobic exercise that gets you moving, such as brisk walking, riding a bike or pushing a lawnmower. Also, resistance activities that work your muscles, such as digging and shovelling in your garden or lifting weights.
2. Eat a well-balanced diet
A healthy, well-balanced diet plays a critical role in maintaining your health and preventing a plethora of diseases. In addition, eating healthy extends to brain health, thus reducing the risk of dementia.
Top tips for healthy eating by our live in dementia care experts are as follows:
- Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables everyday.
- Eating fish or other omega-3 rich foods at least twice a week.
- Incorporating wholegrain starchy foods in most meals, such as wholemeal bread, pasta and rice.
- Only eating sugary foods as a treat.
- Looking out for hidden salts in foods.
Among the top recommended diets is the Mediterranean diet, as it comprises the above and is known to reduce cognitive impairment. The NHS also recommends the Eatwell Guide as it focuses on eating from different food groups to achieve a balanced diet.
3. Quit or cut back on smoking and drinking
Research has already shown that smoking increases the risk of dementia as well as other terminal illnesses, especially for those who are 65 and above. As dedicated dementia home care Sandhurst specialists, we recommend cutting out tobacco for good.
When it comes to drinking, the occasional glass of wine or beer is less likely to harm you. However, a 2018 study reveals that drinking too much alcohol also boosts your risk of developing dementia. Our live in dementia care staff recommend aiming to drink less than 14 units per week.
4. Challenge your mind
It’s been proven that keeping your mind active can actually reduce your risk of dementia. Our live in dementia care experts claim that patients who regularly challenge themselves mentally seem to build up the brain’s ability to cope with disease.
Just like physical exercise, it’s crucial that you find an activity you enjoy, so you’re more likely to be consistent with it.
Some suggestions from our dementia home care Sandhurst specialists include:
- Puzzles, crosswords or quizzes.
- Learning a new language.
- Playing card games or board games with loved ones.
- Studying a course for a qualification or simply just for fun.
- Writing stories, poetry or blog articles.
You can carry out the activities listed above with your loved ones or with one of our live in dementia care specialists, as spending time with others is a great way to exercise your mind.
5. Socialise
As we’ve briefly mentioned in our last point, staying social is essential to fending off cognitive decline. Socialising improves your mood, which in turn leads to improved self-care, overall health and most importantly, reduces your risk of dementia.
Social isolation is a major driver of depression and anxiety in older adults. The WHO claims that social withdrawal and loneliness actually speed up the process of cognitive impairment.
Whilst it may be difficult to maintain a social circle the older you get, it would still be incredibly helpful to be surrounded by close friends and family or opt for dementia home care Sandhurst to ensure you always have company.
Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start practising these healthy habits. You’re simply investing in your future health. Your brain will certainly thank you for it!
If you have any enquiries regarding dementia home care Sandhurst, get in contact with our live in dementia care team or read more about the service.
Furthermore, if you’re interested in reading more about dementia, check out our ‘What are the earliest signs of dementia?’ blog article.