If you have an elderly loved one with dementia, you may be looking for ways to help reduce his or her symptoms. For many seniors, natural approaches are an effective way to help relieve or diminish some symptoms. To help you better understand your loved one’s treatment options, the Waterloo senior care experts at Home Care Assistance have come up with 5 natural dementia treatments.
1. Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil has been used for several centuries as a natural supplement to cure or curb various ailments. Recent studies show that the Vitamin D in cod liver oil may also promote mental acuity among seniors. To incorporate cod liver oil in your loved one’s diet, simply purchase cod liver oil supplements that a family or Waterloo 24-hour caregiver can give your loved one each morning.
2. Avoid sugar
As too much refined sugar can cause blood to thicken and slow its progress to the brain, eating sugary foods can aggravate dementia symptoms. Instead of eating sugary foods, invite your loved one to eat naturally sweet produce, like berries, apples, and other fruits. Not only are these foods better for general senior health, most fruit also provides nutrients like, antioxidants, which reduce brain inflammation and can help slow the advance of dementia.
3. Meditation
Seniors with dementia frequently report an inability to concentrate. As meditation requires that seniors slow and focus their thoughts, practicing this skill is one natural way to address concentration challenges caused by dementias. Help your loved one practice meditation by providing soothing music and a comfortable, private space. If your loved one isn’t sure how to begin, encourage him or her to simply close his or her eyes and concentrate on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth.
4. Vitamin B
As Vitamin B helps create red blood cells, prevent anemia, and protect areas of the brain affected by dementia, including foods with B vitamins can help your loved one avoid cognitive decline. Found frequently in meats, beats, fish, and cheese, you can incorporate Vitamin B into your loved one’s diet by preparing dishes like lentil soup, hummus dips, and chicken salad.
If your senior loved one has dementia, he or she may benefit from some extra assistance around his or her home. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are committed to providing high-caliber dementia care to ensure that Waterloo seniors can continue living comfortably and safely in their homes for as long as possible. To learn more about our care services, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke recovery care in Waterloo, reach out to a knowledgeable Care Manager a (519) 954-2111 and schedule a complimentary no-obligation consultation.