http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/alzheimers-dementia-care.aspx | Always Best Care provides this information on Alzheimer’s and how to protect yourself from this disease.

1. Alzheimer’s Prevention For Seniors

2. Defining
Alzheimer’s
Disease
• Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a
common form of dementia. It is an
irreversible disease of the brain that
can affect an individual’s cognitive
functions, making everyday
activities difficult. Alzheimer’s
disease can alter memory, language,
judgment, and cause unpredictable
behavior.
• Symptoms begin to become evident
a decade or more after changes
begin in the brain. Over time,
neurons start to lose their ability to
function and communicate with
each other.
• As Alzheimer’s progresses,
inflammation spreads to the
hippocampus, an area of the brain
which regulates memory. Eventually
inflammation shrinks brain tissue
significantly, causing loss of brain
function in many areas of the brain.

3. Symptoms
Identifying the symptoms of AD is
important to finding professional
assistance as soon as possible.
Early Symptoms
• Inability to learn new information
• Mood swings
• Poor judgment
• Speech difficulties
• Struggling with routine tasks
• Location and time disorientation
Progressive Symptoms
• Increased agitation and restlessness
due to communication and
orientation difficulties
• Memory loss
• Increased complications with daily
tasks
• Loss of interest in previously
enjoyable activities
• Incontinence

4. Sleep More
• The human brain requires
plenty of rest in order to
function at optimum capacity.
Sleep deprivation is a common
problem among many
Americans. Loss of sleep can
impair basic thinking activities
such as problem-solving and
information processing
and retention.
• As a general rule, adults require
at least 8 hours of sleep each
night. Establishing a regular
sleep schedule helps achieve
this and also reinforces your
natural circadian rhythm.
• The removal of electronic
entertainment (TVs, computers,
etc.) from the bedroom can help
combat insomnia.

5. Eat Better
• Practicing a healthy diet may
be crucial in helping prevent
Alzheimer’s disease. Not only
does a healthy diet of omega-
3 fats, fruits and vegetables
improve the body, but it also
fortifies brain health.
• A Mediterranean diet is well-known
for including foods like
fish, nuts, olive oils and whole
grains, which help reduce
inflammation in the tastiest
way possible.
• Avoid consuming trans fats
and saturated fats like red
meat, fast food, fried foods
and processed foods.

6. Stay Active
• A study by Alzheimer’s Research
& Prevention Foundation (ARPF)
found that regular exercise can
reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s
by 50%. For those who have
already shown signs of cognitive
damage, exercise can also slow
deterioration.
• Starting an exercise routine can
be intimidating, especially for
those who have been inactive
for a while. Try to add at least
half an hour of aerobic exercise
five times a week.
• Simply walking more often can
get your heart rate up to speed.
Daily household activities like
cooking, cleaning or doing
laundry can help promote
healthy exercise as well.

7. Challenge
Yourself
• It is a well-known fact that
individuals who continue to
learn new things and
stimulate their mind have
been less likely to develop
Alzheimer’s disease.
• Creating new brain pathways
are essential to keeping your
neurological activity healthy
and functioning.
• Do you have an interest in
studying a foreign language?
Do you enjoy puzzle games
or reading books? These are
all fun activities to help keep
your mind sharp and active.

8. Stress Less
• Allowing chronic stress to take
over your mind can cause
damage to your brain. This can
lead to the hindrance of nerve
cell growth, and shrinkage of
the hippocampus.
• Breathing is one of the body’s
most natural systems of defense
against stress. Deep, relaxed
abdominal breathing can be
extremely powerful in feeding
oxygen to the brain and keeping
your heart active.
• Allow yourself to sit quietly and
relax more often. Nice morning
strolls in the park, a soothing
bath or yoga practice are great
examples of how to nurture
your mind-body connection.

9. The
Bigger Picture
According to a 2014 report by
The Alzheimer’s Association:
• African Americans and
Hispanic Americans are more
likely to develop Alzheimer’s
than white Americans.
• Seniors 85 years and older
include about 2 million
people with Alzheimer’s
disease.
• The typical life expectancy
after an Alzheimer’s
diagnosis is 4 to 8 years.

10. About Us
Since 1996, Always Best Care
has helped families find non-medical
in-home care for
seniors and others when they
need it the most. Our successful
reputation has allowed us to aid
more than 25,000 seniors with
comfort, convenience and
support.
We are committed to finding
your family the services that
your loved ones deserve. We
believe in the quality of life
provided by smiles, laughs and
long talks during the difficult
times. We work with a wide
range of health and social
services that best fit your
individual needs.
Contact us today for more
information at
www.alwaysbestcare.com.