June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
June 1, 2023Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that affects over 6 million people of all ages in the United States. Alzheimer’s affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. The month of June is dedicated to Alzheimer’s awareness and keeping your brain healthy as you get older. Although there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, there have been studies that show a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s. Here are a few tips that can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
Be Active
Keeping a healthy weight and your body active can not only reduce Alzheimer’s, but also reduces the risk of developing diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Some easy ways to stay active are light-weight exercises, walking around your community, swimming, or yoga. There is something for everyone to do and whichever works out best, stick to it for at least 30 minutes each day.
Get Enough Sleep
Older adults usually need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Getting enough sleep allows us to have energy for the day and let our body rest. To get a good night’s sleep, avoid afternoon naps, minimize screen time before bed, drink less fluids before bed, and take time to calm down before bedtime.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Healthy eating can help maintain brain function and reduce risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Finding a diet that you enjoy will allow this process to be easy. Reducing processed foods, drinking plenty of water, and planning meals in advance are all great ways to maintain a healthy diet. Studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet has been associated with cognitive benefits. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and other seafood in your diet. Although it is not 100% proven, it can lower risk factors of Alzheimer’s.
Challenge Your Brain
People with dementia have said challenging their brain helps them live well and do their daily activities by playing games like jigsaw, puzzles, crosswords, and other board games. These games keep the mind working and maintain healthy brain function. Arts and crafts, as well as reading, are great alternatives too. These activities will also relieve stress, another important factor to reduce when trying to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Memory Care in Avalon Park
Our assisted living community employs on-site experts that provide skilled memory care services to our residents who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other memory impairments. Our senior residents enjoy healthy meals, comfortable accommodations, and access to engaging activities, making us the premium senior living community in the Central Florida area.
Find out why Encore at Avalon Park is your senior living solution by giving us a call at 407-270-7500 and scheduling a tour today.
