Alzheimer’s is a concern for many seniors because it has many potential causes, which makes it difficult to prevent. However, identifying and understanding its major risk factors gives them a better chance of preventing the disease. Here are some common risk factors for Alzheimer’s and tips on what your aging loved one can do to reduce his or her risk.
Genetics
Family history is a strong risk factor for Alzheimer’s and is something that cannot be altered. However, knowing the risks in terms of family can still be useful. If your loved one knows which family members have developed Alzheimer’s (and, most importantly, at what age they developed the disease), he or she can be more attuned to the potential warning signs.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, help is just a phone call away. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Embrace In-Home Care is a leading home care service provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Poor Physical Health
Though heart disease may not necessarily cause Alzheimer’s, a diet and lifestyle that puts the heart at risk for cardiovascular complications may also predispose your loved one to developing Alzheimer’s. As of yet, no one is exactly sure of the connection between the two ailments, but the following conditions and habits have been shown to increase the likelihood of developing both heart disease and Alzheimer’s:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Not eating vegetables and fruits
- Unmanaged type 2 diabetes
Essentially, cultivating habits that support general health may reduce your loved one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Seniors who need help managing mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of highly trained professional caregivers. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior home care. Green Valley, AZ, families trust Embrace In-Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Mental Disengagement
There’s general agreement in the scientific community that lifelong learning reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. However, being mentally disengaged may have the opposite effect. Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, but your loved one can preserve brain matter by actively engaging his or her mind on a daily basis. The following activities may reduce your loved one’s risk:
- Doing logic puzzles
- Reading frequently
- Maintaining a curiosity about the world
Every senior living with Alzheimer’s deserves high-quality Alzheimer’s care. Green Valley families can rely on the caregivers at Embrace In-Home Care to keep their loved ones safe while managing the symptoms of the disease. Our caregivers help seniors regain a sense of pride and accomplishment while promoting cognitive health. Whether your parent needs minor help with daily tasks or extensive 24-hour care, give us a call today.