Common Traits of Longevity

What do the longest living people

in the world have in common?

They say that it is the little things that matter most in life.  That is true especially when talking about the secrets of longevity.  Apparently it is the small details of daily living that add up to a healthier and longer life.  That is what the people at National Geographic discovered when they tried to explore the secrets of longevity among various people and cultures.  While looking for the common traits in lifestyle among the longest living people on the planet, they discovered certain similar practices which could be considered a formula to living a longer life. 

There are areas of the planet where people tend to enjoy longevity.  People there reach the age of 100 at extraordinary rates and reach these ages enjoying   amazing health  and strong cognitive capabilities.  The places have been geographically and demographically defined as the Blue Zones.  Blue Zone places like Greece, Nicaragua and Japan can teach the rest of the planet how to live a long and healthy life.  In the book, “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest”, Dan Buettner maps out some common traits shared be these groups of people.

Lifestyle of Food

Diet is key to longevity.  Those who live in the Blue Zones share the same foundation in their diets. They all get the bulk of their protein from beans rather than meat.  High consumption of proteins from animal products can increase mortality levels by 70% and greatly increase the risk of getting cancer.  The Blue Zone centenarians eat beans, grains, fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis and enjoy small amounts of meat only a couple times a month.  They also drink a little wine daily which brings high levels of polyphenols and antioxidants into their diets. They live much longer than average with just a fraction of the current rate of dementia in their elderly years.

Lifestyle of Motion

People who live to the age of 100 and older are engaged in physical activity throughout their lives.  They don’t actively take part in exercise like per se but their lifestyles are set up so they are constantly in motion either through walking, gardening or doing household chores, mostly without the aid of modern conveniences.  Their daily chores keep them fit because they do them the old fashioned way: walking to the stores instead of driving, kneading bread instead of buying it sliced and packaged, planting, watering and weeding a vegetable garden…. These daily tasks create unconscious physical activity which carried out over a lifetime leads to a fit and healthy body.

                                                                                         

Lifestyle of Purpose

Having a sense of meaning or purpose in your life can add up to 7 years to the average lifespan.  The people living in the Blue Zones focus on family and relationships.  They live with or near their adult aged children and help raise their grandchildren.  They are deeply involved in the daily lives of their family because they all live, work, eat and play together.  Having a deep sense of purpose and involvement with the people you love adds years to a lifespan. 

Lifestyle of Community

Those living in the Blue Zones have a real sense of belonging to their community.  They share a commitment to social network that they have built over a lifetime.  Most live in a village setting with people they grew up with and have known for years.  The concept of being lonely, which can take 8 years off average life expectancy, would be hard for them to understand.  In addition the bulk of the centenarians are involved in a faith based group of some kind. A deep religious faith and connection to other faith based people can add up to a decade in life expectancy.

Taking a lesson from lifestyles found in the Blue Zones and adapting them to our daily lives can be a challenge but is well worth the effort.  Aging cannot be helped but how you live as you age can make an amazing difference in the quantity and quality of the years you enjoy.

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Kate McCarthy is Director of Operations for HomeAid Health Care which provides services for the elderly who wish to remain safe and independent at home.  HomeAid is sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their residents since 1999.  Together the two companies provide comprehensive care for the elderly in the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin.

Sources:

“Here are the Secrets to a Long and Healthy Life” by Simon Worrall, National Geographic. April 12, 2015.

“The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest” by Dan Buettner.

National Geographic, 2009.

“Top Lifestyle Changes for Older Adults to Live a Longer, More Enjoyable Life” by Derek Jones, April 4, 2016.

Aging Joints

Joint pain can be one of the most

crippling aspects of living with arthritis.

A sharp burning, ripping pain… a constant pins and needles sting…  a throbbing, traveling ache… the constant echo of hurt … the pain of Arthritis is experienced differently by those who suffer from it.  For some it is stiffness and discomfort when rising in the morning for others it is chronic and disabling pain which travels through the body like a hot fiery poker.

Arthritis literally means “joint inflammation,” but the term really defines more than 100 different conditions which affect joints throughout the body.  Symptoms of arthritis can include swelling, pain, stiffness and a decrease in range of motion as the disease influences the muscles, tissues and the bones associated with joints.  People of all ages, sexes, and races can suffer from arthritis and it is the leading cause of disability in America.  More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis.  Arthritis is more common among women and it occurs more frequently as people age. There are two common types of arthritis which are prevalent among the aging, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Considered a common form of joint disease, OA usually afflicts people over the age of 60.  Although many elderly experience this type of arthritis in some degree or another, it is not considered an inevitable part of aging. Generally those with this disease deal with limitations in their movement and experience pain.  Osteoarthritis usually affects weight-bearing joints and is commonly associated with a deterioration or breakdown of the joint itself. Osteoarthritis destroys the cartilage which acts as a cushion-like connection between the joints.  When everything is working well, the cartilage protects the bones of the joint from rubbing on each other.  When Osteoarthritis attacks the cartilage it begins to die and disintegrate leaving the joint to grind bone on bone, causing pain.  

Carrying extra weight can really add stress to the lower body joints and is a documented factor in the development of Osteoarthritis.  At risk, in particular, are knees and hips.  For every extra pound a person gains, an added 4 pounds of pressure are on the knees and each pound increases the pressure on the hips by a factor of 6.

Another common factor in the onset of OA is injury or overuse of joints.  Former athletes have a higher risk of developing Osteoarthritis as they age due to increased stress or sport related injuries and on their joints when they were young.  Even those who were not athletic their youth can develop problems as they age due to repetitive motion that put stress on their joints. 

Genetics can also play a role in the onset of Osteoarthritis, especially when there is a family history of arthritis in the hands.  Families pass on bone abnormalities which affect the joint shape and causes problems with the cartilage. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Considered a chronic autoimmune disease, RA is a systemic inflammatory condition that causes joint destruction. Currently there is little understanding why those with Rheumatoid Arthritis develop an immune system that attacks itself.  The immune system, normally used to fight infection, attacks the joint causing inflammation, swelling, stiffness and pain. Rheumatoid Arthritis causes progressive deterioration of the joints and often often results in permanent joint damage, deformity and disability.

The onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be as early as in the mid-twenties and affects people throughout their lives.  RA presents itself with swelling and stiffness in the joints of the shoulders and neck, hands and wrists, hips, knees and feet and is often more noticeable in the mornings or when the body is resting.  Because RA affects the entire body, other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite are often associated with RA and the inflammation can affect the body’s glands, blood vessels and the lining of the heart and lungs. 

Managing Arthritis

What can individuals with arthritis do to decrease the pain associate with this disease? 

Exercising is a key component to improving health and can help ease some symptoms of arthritis.  Studies have shown even two minutes of exercise daily is enough to ease pain, improve energy levels, strengthen muscles that support joints, increase joint range of motion, plus lose excess pounds that add stress to painful joints. Pool-walking and water aerobics can be an incredible workout that does not strain joints.  Stretching and building strength in muscles through yoga and Tia chi can also be beneficial for those who suffer with Arthritis pain.  Walking, biking and swimming are other good options.

It is important to balance activity with rest.  Moderate movement with Arthritis is beneficial, but over exercising can cause increase in joint pain. 

Eating a healthy balance diet with an emphasis on food with anti-inflammation properties can make a real difference in levels of arthritic pain.  Focus on consuming lean or low fat source of protein, food rich in calcium and dark green and orange vegetables and foods rich in antioxidants such as fruit. Tart cherries, blueberries and raspberries can help limit inflammation and pain levels in joints.

Along with exercising and diet, there are other options to help manage arthritic pain.  Consult with your family physician about medications that may be of benefit to you such as vitamins, and/or supplements associated with relief from arthritis pain.

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Kate McCarthy is Director of Operations for HomeAid Health Care which provides services for the elderly who wish to remain safe and independent at home.  HomeAid is sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their residents since 1999.  Together the two companies provide comprehensive care for the elderly in the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin.

Sources: 

www.arthritisfoundation.com

www.arthritis.org,

www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics

www.myageingparent.com/health/medical/arthritis-in-the-elderly. Feb. 18, 2015.

www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2003/2003-12/2003-12-7559,Greta M. Pelegrin, PharmD

Superfoods can maximize Senior Health

What you eat can make all the difference with how you age.

Nutrition has always been important, but it’s an especially valuable consideration for aging seniors who can no longer rely on the natural robustness of their body. Here are the top superfoods for seniors and how they can help reduce the problems of aging.

Blueberries

These tiny little spheres have more antioxidants by volume than any other fruit or vegetable - which makes them absolutely phenomenal at helping ward off problems such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. They’re also good for boosting brain power, making it easier to remember the important things in life.

Beans

 Contrary to the old song, beans aren’t a fruit - but they are an excellent source of dietary fiber, calcium (for aging bones), vitamins, and protein. Many beans also contain high amounts of antioxidants - red, black, kidney, and pinto beans are especially good sources.

Salmon

Seniors living near the ocean can look into getting more salmon into their diets. Professionals recommend having at least two servings of salmon a week in order to gain all the benefits, and this wonderful fish has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease… and it’s one of the best ways of getting omega-3 fatty acids.

Steelcut Oats

When most people think of oats, they imagine the rolled kind often used in oatmeal… but the steelcut process works to retain considerably more protein and fiber. The latter is especially valuable for diabetics, since it helps to improve overall blood sugar levels.

Greek Yogurt

Anyone who’s had an upset stomach knows how important it is to keep your digestive system in good condition… and Greek Yogurt is packed with probiotics that do precisely that. Many people enjoy eating it with fruit as a way of creating a healthy afternoon snack, but it’s also good in smoothies if you’d prefer to drink it down instead.

Coconut Oil

This fantastic oil contains healthy fats that help seniors maintain a healthy, balanced weight. While most people don’t suggest consuming it raw, it makes an excellent replacement for butter and can be added to drinks and baked goods.

Kale

Oranges are famous for their high amount of Vitamin C, but this leafy green vegetable is packed with even more of it! Kale also has an incredible amount of iron, as well as enough omega-3 fatty acids to compare favorably to fish. Next time you have a salad, look into tossing some kale in!

Cocoa

The plant behind chocolate, cocoa is excellent at lowering blood pressure - and it also releases endorphins that can improve your mood, making it the ideal treat for seniors struggling with depression.

Eggs

Too much cholesterol is bad, but eggs contain literally everything a baby chicken needs to develop into a hatchling - and they’re especially good for preventing degeneration in the eyes.

Sweet Potato

 In addition to being another great source of fiber and antioxidants, one sweet potato has more than the recommended minimum amount of Vitamin A. There’s no need to worry about overdosing, either - the human body can consume far more than the recommended amounts of most vitamins and suffer no ill effects.

Olive Oil

This popular cooking oil is outstanding at preventing and alleviating the effects of osteoporosis, since it’s able to significantly improve overall bone mineralization. This should be a popular choice in the diets of any seniors worried about weak bones. While most olive oil is only good for a year - it loses its potency after that - seniors can look for shopping discounts to ensure they always have some on the shelf.

Avocado

Avocados aren’t just another good source of omega-3 fatty acids - they also improve the body’s ability to use and absorb other nutrients, making them ideal for maximizing the results of any nutrition plan.

Eating healthy isn’t just something that doctors recommend - when a good nutrition plan is followed, many of the maladies of age can have their effects reduced or even eliminated outright. Next time you go shopping, look for the items on this list and start integrating them into your diet - the earlier you start, the easier it is to make healthy eating into a healthy habit.

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Originally born in Flagstaff, Arizona, Felicity Dryer was raised by her parents (more or less modern-day hippies) to always make her health a top priority. She moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career as a freelance health writer, and continues to help those seeking encouragement to keep moving forward to achieve their goals.  As a guest writing for HomeAid Health Care’s Elder Topics, Felicity bring her expertise to our audience.

HomeAid is sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their residents since 1999. Together the two companies provide comprehensive care for the elderly in the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin.

Sources:

“The Super Food Super Guide” by Amy Williams. https://s3.amazonaws.com/uvwx/SeniorSuperfood+(updated).png. Retrieved 6/10/15.

“The ABCs of Senior Citizen Discounts” by Amy Williams. www.presidiohomecare.com. Retrieved 6/10/15.

Hydration for Health, Water for Life

Drinking water is a key element in

 maintaining health for the elderly

Wise up on water

Water is often overlooked as one of the six basic nutrients (along with carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, proteins and minerals) needed for positive well-being and better quality of life for the elderly. Water can make a valuable contribution to health in old age. As we get older our body’s receptor for thirst decreases. To stay hydrated do not depend on feeling thirsty. Thirst may not be a reliable guide to tell you when you're becoming dehydrated, especially for older adults.

Evidence for drinking water

Medical evidence shows that good hydration can assist in the management of diabetes, urinary tract infections, incontinence, constipation, kidney stones, heart disease, low blood pressure, cognitive impairment, falls, poor oral health, skin conditions, help prevent pressure ulcers, and many other illnesses.

Proper hydration will increase blood circulation to all vital organs including skin which will prevent and help heal pressure ulcers.  Drinking water will stimulate urination and help the body flush out bacteria. Drinking extra water will help stimulate the bladder for healthy bladder function; experiencing fewer incontinent episodes is one effective way to prevent urinary tract infections.  

Dehydration lowers blood pressure which causes confusion and dizziness. Dehydration is the leading cause of falls.  Balanced hydration is essential for the safety and efficacy of some medications. One class of medications affected by hydration status is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, and Naproxen) which has the potential to cause kidney damage in response to dehydration.

Tips for Water Consumption

• A glass of water five minutes before standing will help stabilize blood pressure and prevent fainting.
• Drink a glass of fresh water when you get up in the morning.
• Have a jug of water readily available with thinly sliced oranges,  limes, lemons, and ice cubes. 
• Drink small quantities throughout the day. Drink water at mealtimes and also between meals.
• Eat  foods high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables
• Substitute hot caffeinated beverages for hot water with pieces of  fruit in it.

Questions

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes. The United States water supply is completely safe to drink and of high quality.

Do I need to filter or treat my tap water before I serve it to drink?

No. The tap water you receive is carefully monitored, tested and is supplied ready to drink straight from the tap. Sometimes filters will polish the taste slightly, but the same effect can normally be achieved by leaving the water to chill in the fridge this will help take away any chlorine taste.

If I drink more water, will I have increased bladder function?

Yes, for a while, and that’s a very positive change. People will use the toilet more often if they drink more, and while there are perceived problems in the extra effort of more frequent visits, people also need to be aware of the serious ill-effects of not drinking enough and not going to the toilet often enough. Evidence shows, however, that the restriction of overall fluid intake does not reduce urinary incontinence frequency or severity.           

Start drinking early with a fresh glass of water. Promote the fact that water ‘flushes through’ the system and helps to prevent kidney stones, UTIs and constipation. Increased bladder function may also help reduce the need for additional medication.

What are the immediate benefits of hydration? 

Water is an essential nutrient and dehydration is a common problem for the elderly population. There is evidence that improving water intake:

• Reduces constipation and subsequent medication
•  Reduces confusion (with reduced risks of falls and fractures)
• Reduces headaches
• Reduces urinary tract infections
• Improves skin integrity and reduces the risk of pressure sores
• Improves blood pressure
• Reduces consumption of unhealthy caffeine, alcohol, soft drinks and sparkling drinks
• Reduces the cost of providing other commercial beverages. 

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Susan Sherriff, CNA and an Occupational Therapy Assistant student, is a contributing writer to Elder Topics as part of a Marketing Internship.  As a member of the HomeAid Health Care team, Susan uses over 10 years of Caregiver experience to assist our elderly and disabled Clients who wish to remain safe and independent at home.  HomeAid is a sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their Residents since 1999.  Together the two companies provide comprehensive care that meets the needs of the elderly and disabled in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin.

Sources:

http://my.clevelandclinic.org

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/definition/con-20030056

Preventing Alzheimer’s disease

Pro-actively reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease

The numbers are scary.  Currently there are over 5 million people in the USA suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.  This condition affects one out of eight people over 65 and one out of two for those over 85.  This progressive disease slowly destroys the connections between brain cells, leaving holes in the brain tissue.  It steals memories and the ability to communicate and respond to one’s environment and eventually leads to death.  It is the sixth leading cause of death in the country now and is expected to affect more and more people as our population ages.  World-wide it is estimated that there will be about 135.5 million people with Alzheimer’s by 2050. 

In the beginning, Alzheimer’s usually presents itself as a mild form of forgetfulness or short term memory loss.  At the early stages of cognitive problems there may be time to delay the onset of future memory issues.  The Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation believes that memory loss is not a normal or natural part of aging.  With proper preventative action, the brain can be rejuvenated and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s greatly reduced.  For those already diagnosed with Early Cognitive Impairment, studies show that actively working the brain can elevate symptoms and actually reverse some of the damage caused by the disease, as well as delay further damage to the brain.

The Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation promotes “Four Pillars to Alzheimer’s Prevention”.  These preventative measures are for all seniors and elderly who wish to be proactive about their cognitive health.  For those already diagnosed with Early Cognitive Impairment or dementia, these measures can actively slow down the progression of the disease and provide a longer, healthier life prolonging the onset of disabling symptoms.  The ARPF suggests focusing on these four areas of prevention:

1.      Diet and Supplements

2.      Stress Management

3.      Exercise

4.      Prescription Medications

Diet and Supplements

Lifestyle has a direct impact on developing Alzheimer’s disease.  Beyond genetic predisposition, a person’s chance of being diagnosed with any form of dementia is greatly influenced by diet.  Eating correctly to promote better memory, prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive impairment is an excellent place to start.  An Alzheimer’s prevention diet is comprised of

·         20% good fat - extra virgin olive oil, avocado, flax seed oil and Omega-3 fish  oils

·        40% lean protein – fish, chicken, turkey and soy

·        40% complex carbohydrates – fresh fruit & vegetables, whole grains, and legumes

·       Super food for the brain – blueberries, spinach, walnuts, wheat germ and flax, etc.

Beyond diet, vitamin and minerals play an important role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.  Taking a basic multiple vitamin and mineral supplement with folic acid is a good place to start.  Vitamin C taken with Vitamin E has been proven to reduce risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 20%.  Other supplements to boost memory include ginkgo biloba, phosphatidyl serine, Omega-3 Oils, acetyl-L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid.

Stress Management

It has been proven that high levels of stress play a role in Alzheimer’s disease.  There is a relationship between high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high cortisol levels and the onset of Alzheimer’s.  This means that balancing stress is vital to prevention of these conditions, which often leads to onset of Alzheimer’s as one ages.  Stress relaxation techniques lower cortisol levels which improve mental functions.  Although many types of stress reducing techniques are helpful, the ARPF promotes a yoga meditation called Kirtan Kriya shows a profound effect on the brain and memory as well as other aspects of overall health.

Exercise

Being active both physically and mentally is essential to an Alzheimer’s prevention program.  Physical exercise reduces the risk of developing this disease by 50% and regular exercise in women aged 40-60 shows a notable reduction in cognitive decline compared to those who do not exercise.  Studies show that 150 minutes a week of a combination of cardio and strength training boost brain size and strength as well as benefit general health.

Mental exercise reduces chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease by 50-70%.  Spending at least 20 minutes a day challenging the brain with new or different tasks improves brain function significantly.  Moreover a combination of physical exercise immediately followed by mental stimulation such as a crossword puzzle or word game gets the best possible outcomes.

Prescription Medications

Early detection and prompt medical treatment of memory problems can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.  In fact those with a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment have a high risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s unless a pro-active program is put in place.  A combination of prescription medications along with a holistic medical program has been proven to have the best results. Pharmaceutical medications, Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and over the counter supplements should always be taken under the guidance of physician who is an expert in Alzheimer’s disease.  

Taking action by following the ARPF’s Four Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention will maximize brain size and ability and reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’ disease. 

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Kate McCarthy is Director of Operations for HomeAid Health Care which provides services for the elderly who wish to remain safe and independent at home.  HomeAid is sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their Residents since 1999.  Together the two family owned companies provide comprehensive care for the elderly in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin.

Sources:

“The Four Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention” brochure. Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

There is a difference between 
Alzheimer’s and MCI.

Margaret sometimes has troubles finding words as she speaks.  She knows what she wants to say, but the words just seem to slip away.  She halts mid-sentence searching, gets frustrated and then in embarrassment gives up speaking. She wonders why she fails to remember the simplest words. James forgets which day he promised to watch the grand-kids and often finds himself in the store with no idea what he came to buy.  He chuckles at his absent mindedness, but worries that there might be something really wrong.

Memory loss

With all the talk in the media about Alzheimer’s disease it is easy to jump the gun and assume the worst the each time the car keys can’t be found.  We all forget things, but it can be very unsettling when it happens frequently. Most elderly people live in fear of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s so each memory lapse causes anxiety and worry.  Yet there is another possible explanation for short term memory problems.  This common condition is called Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a diagnosis used for people with significant short-term memory loss.  The symptoms people with MCI experience are different and less severe than those associated with Alzheimer’s.  People with MCI are usually pretty sharp cognitively and are able to retain their reasoning skills.  They can manage their own finances and easily recall events from the past.  Yet those close to them will notice a short-term loss memory issues which are severe enough that to affect their social and occupational lives.

Fear and misunderstanding about Alzheimer’s disease leads to confusion between the two conditions even though the symptoms are different. 

MCI Symptoms

• Near normal cognitive functions, like thinking, understanding and decision-making abilities.
•  Daily living functions are near normal.
• Little to no change in personality.
• Memory impaired compared to similar aged people.
• Condition may not progress over time.

Alzheimer’s Symptoms

• Impairment in cognitive functions, including thinking, understanding and decision-making abilities.
• Impairment in normal activities of daily living.
• Changes in personality.
• Impairments in memory and judgment.
• Progressive loss of functions over time.

MCI concerns

People diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment are often relieved to hear their troubles are not Alzheimer’s.  Yet those diagnosed with MCI have a 12 - 15 percent higher risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s disease unless steps are taken to slow its progression.  An MCI diagnosis can be seen as the red flag that it is time to be proactive about cognitive issues.

Not a normal part of aging

People generally chalk up forgetfulness to age, but memory loss is not a normal or a natural process of aging.  Although the brain will go through some natural changes as a person ages, mental decline is largely preventable and can even be reversed with the right amount of mental exercise and stimulation.

Reverse cognitive impairment

Regenerating a brain with cognitive issues requires proper nutrition, physical exercise, stress management and appropriate prescription medications.  But most importantly, brain regeneration requires vigorous mental exercise on a daily basis. Studies show that rigorous cognitive workouts improve the mind and memory of those beginning to show signs of mental deterioration.  Participating in brain challenging activities will actually increase the size of the brain, the number of brain cells and the connection between these cells.  According to Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, actively taking part in brain stimulating activity can reduce risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 50-70 percent.  Making preventative changes can stop further cognitive decline and can even delay the full onset of Alzheimer’s disease.  

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Kate McCarthy is Director of Operations for HomeAid Health Care which provides services for the elderly who wish to remain safe and independent at home.  HomeAid is sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their Residents since 1999.  Together the two family owned companies provide comprehensive care for the elderly in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin.

Sources:

“Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) & Early Alzheimer’s disease, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment” brochure. Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation.