Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for caregivers. Fortunately, there are some measures you can take to delay the onset of dementia in your loved one. Waterloo, ON, at-home care experts recommend a few ideas you can try.
Provide a Vitamin K Supplement
Vitamin K is often referred to as the “forgotten vitamin” because most people know so little about it. This vitamin has many anti-aging properties, and it plays an important role in protecting brain cells from damage. Leafy green vegetables are a rich source of vitamin K that you should consider adding to your loved one’s diet. If your aging loved one is not interested in eating vegetables, consult a doctor about prescribing a high-quality vitamin K supplement.
Encourage Exercise Focused on Balance and Coordination
Seniors should aim for around 150 minutes of exercise per week to boost their overall health and reduce their risk of dementia. Exercises and movements that enhance an individual’s balance can drastically reduce their risk of falling, hitting their head, and further damaging their brain. Encourage your loved one to engage in Tai chi or yoga or work out with balance balls to enhance his or her body balance and coordination..
Suggest Joining a Club
There are two distinct reasons why joining a club benefits seniors who are susceptible to or on the verge of developing dementia. By joining a club, your loved one can interact with like-minded individuals, which can stimulate the areas of his or her brain associated with socializing. Many clubs also focus on learning or honing new skills, which can also stimulate brain cells and delay the onset of dementia. If your loved one is not interested in joining a club, encourage him or her to take classes at a local community center or volunteer for a few hours every week. As long as his or her mind is stimulated and at work, he or she can reduce the risk of dementia.
Prepare Nutritious Afternoon Snacks
Not many people realize dietary habits can have a major impact on the development of dementia. Dementia-related disorders inflame the brain and prevent communication between brain cells. Replace your loved one’s sugary snacks with healthy foods. Almonds, blueberries, tuna sandwiches, and yogurt are packed with anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
In Waterloo, dementia caregivers at Home Care Assistance offer hourly and live-in senior care services. With our modern therapies and tools, we provide tailored and comprehensive care for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s and help them retain their memory and motor functions for as long as possible. We offer a program called the Cognitive Therapeutics Method, which uses mentally stimulating activities to slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Call one of our Care Managers today at (519) 954-2111 to schedule a consultation.