4 Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer's

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s; over 99% are 65 years or older. That means over 10 percent of senior citizens have Alzheimer’s disease. Currently Alzheimer’s is the 6^th leading cause of death in America, behind heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, accidents and stroke. It is also the only cause of death in the top 10 that cannot be prevented or cured.

There are many people around the world working hard to determine what causes Alzheimer’s so it can be prevented in the future. As recently as August 2016 scientists from the University of Cambridge discovered a gene signature in healthy brains that pinpoints the origins of Alzheimer’s disease. We will have to wait and see if this breakthrough will lead to preventative treatments for individuals who are considered high-risk for contracting this disease.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or magic pill to prevent it, there are things you can do to put yourself at a lower risk of getting it as you get older. Reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease and staying social may help lower your risk.

Since September is World Alzheimer’s Month, we want to share 4 tips you can do today that may reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s:

• Eat Healthy: A lifestyle of less sodium, sugar, and processed foods, and more fruits, vegetables and lean meats may also help protect the brain. This healthy nutrition lifestyle also helps to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

• Be Physically Active: Regular physical activity can increase blood and oxygen flow to the brain benefiting the brain’s cells. Although you should talk to your doctor before starting any type of exercise regimen, a brisk walk is a great start. Exercise will also help to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

• Be Socially Active: Social interactions may help stimulate and strengthen the connections between nerve cells in the brain. As we age, it is important that we do not isolate ourselves from others. Having ongoing social contact is important for our mental and emotional well-being.

• Be Mentally Active: You may still be working, so your brain is ‘in gear’ throughout the day. But once you retire you need to find something to keep you mentally active. Whether you like to play games, do Sudoku or crossword puzzles, or learn something new, find the activity that will keep your mentally stimulated.

 At Assisting Hands® Home Care, our skilled caregivers provide companionship for their seniors and make sure they are eating right and getting the appropriate physical activity. Whether you need someone to be with your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight, our at-home care can accommodate your needs. You will have peace of mind knowing that they aren’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100. To learn more about our in home senior care, click here.

5 Things to do with Your Parents on Parents’ Day

Since a Congressional Resolution was passed in 1994, the fourth Sunday of July has been designated as Parents’ Day. As we come upon a holiday that revolves around family, why not take the time to get together with your parents to see what they are doing and how they are doing.

While you are with them, here are 5 things you can do to help them stay mentally sharp and safe:

Look at Old Photos: If you are of a certain age, you probably still have boxes of old prints in the basement or in albums somewhere. Don’t worry if they are not in order; share them with your parents anyway. See if they remember who is in the pictures, where they were taken and the occasion. Let them go down memory lane and tell stories from these occasions. This may enlighten you more than them! Take notes or record them so you can pass this information down to your family too.

Play a Game: What is your parents’ favorite game(s)? Checkers? Rummy? Find the game and play it with them. This will help to keep their memory sharp. Even a simple game of Go Fish will help fuel the brain.

Make Them a Meal: Do they like scrambled eggs and bacon? Maybe chicken is more to their liking. Whatever they enjoy having, why not make them a homemade meal instead of going out? Restaurants meals (and packaged meals in the grocery stores) tend to have too much sodium and added sugar anyway. Bring enough so you can package leftovers for them to have the next day. This way you know they are eating well a couple days that week.

Assess Their Surroundings: Is there any furniture in the way of their normal path throughout the house? Are there throw rugs on the floor? Make sure your parents have a clear path through their house and there are no trip hazards. Does it look like their clothes and other linens have been washed recently? If not, do a load or two of laundry for them while you are there. They did your laundry as you were growing up; now it’s your turn!

Assess Them: How do your parents look? Have they lost or gained unexplained weight since you saw them last? Do they look groomed (showered, hair combed, teeth brushed)? If not, they could be having issues with their memories. Ask them questions to fully understand what is going on.

At Assisting Hands Home Care we will make sure that your parents are happy and well cared for. We provide them with safe transportation to and from doctors and other appointments, grocery shopping or other errands and make sure they are getting the appropriate nutrition and exercise that is appropriate for them. Whether you need someone to be with them during the day, in the evening or overnight, we can accommodate your needs. You will sleep better knowing that they aren’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home fall prevention assessment at 630-305-9100.