Reducing Mental Decline in the Elderly

By Marlene Diaz | April 13, 2017 |

There was a time when researchers believed that the decline in mental abilities such as memory and learning new processes was a normal part of aging. Studies conducted in recent years have contradicted that premise. In 2013, researchers studied 2,235 men for 30 years. Those that participated in four out of five healthy lifestyle behaviors were 60 percent less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia. These healthy lifestyle choices included non-smoking, a high intake of fruits and vegetables, maintaining the correct body weight and muscle to fat ratio, exercising and keeping a low to moderate alcohol intake.

Home Care Services Federal Way WA – Reducing Mental Decline in the Elderly

Use it or Lose it

Use it or lose it refers to the brain as well as the body. Retirement has been shown to produce cognitive decline when not replaced with other meaningful and brain activating activities. The good news is that, with awareness and determination, it is possible to keep the brain active as one ages. In addition to making healthy lifestyle choices, keeping the brain engaged is the best bet to staying sharp through the process of growing older.

Learn Something New

If your parent has an interest that they never followed through on due to time constraints, now is the perfect time to undertake a new activity. Learning something new promotes the development of new neuronal pathways in the brain. Maybe they have always wanted to learn another language, try their hand at pottery or take up a musical instrument. A study conducted on 1,000 musicians found the following: “At rest and during the cognitive exercises, brain activity was limited to certain areas and maintained a low level of activity. However, when playing music, the brain lit up in all areas and synapses fired at rates hundreds of times more than resting.”

Daily Brain Challenges

Provide your parent with daily brain challenges by undertaking crossword puzzles, Sudoku and other word games such as scrabble together. Not only is this time valuable for the health of their brain, shared activity is an important aspect of a happy and engaged life.

Volunteer

The act of volunteering provides a new learning experience as well as helps your loved one maintain a sense of contributing to their community. Volunteering has been shown to increase self-esteem as well as promote longevity and an increase in physical, social and mental activity.

Home Care Services Provider

In addition to assisting with the everyday activities of living, a home care services provider offers companionship. They can accompany your parent on social outings such as special events offered at the local museum, keeping your loved one active, engaged and excited about what tomorrow brings.

Resource: http://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/mental-fitness/brain-exercises-for-memory.aspx

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Federal Way WA, contact the caring staff at Hospitality Home Care today. Call us at (206) 966-6552.

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Marlene Diaz

Care Supervisor at Hospitality Home Care

Marlene brings to Hospitality Home Care's Care Supervisor Team an unprecedented level of passion for caring for others and a wealth of knowledge and understanding in the care services field. Marlene has worked in the healthcare field for more than 15 years in a variety of settings including, adult family home administration, home care HR supervising and working with specialty populations including dementia, mental health and developmental disabilities. Throughout this time Marlene has also maintained her caregiver credentials that she obtained as a teenager because, while her knowledge is best served helping to train caregivers and assist families to get the care they need, her heart is most fulfilled when she is providing care to others. When she is not in the office, you will most likely find Marlene caring for her family, or spending time with her friends.