The very best way to treat dementia is to never have to worry about it in the first place. Prevention is always the best course of action, especially for forms of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease that don’t have a cure.
The team, based out of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that people who lived healthy lifestyles were a lot less likely to suffer from cognitive difficulties–including forms of dementia–as they aged. Researchers have been aware of this protective capacity of healthy lifestyles for quite some time, but they haven’t gained a lot of insight into just why it was so powerful. The research team mentioned above decided to try and fix this knowledge gap.
In Alzheimer’s disease, one of the hallmark features within the brain is the presence of amyloid plaque buildup. Even in people who lived long, healthy lives, this plaque was found to be present. However, their healthy living seemed to protect them from the impact that this had on people that did not live healthily. There’s still more research needed, but there seemed to be a protective capacity established.
The researchers concluded that a healthy lifestyle consisting of eating right, exercise, avoiding smoking, and other factors helps to build what they referred to as a “cognitive reserve” in the brain. Over time, this reserve helps to act as a preventative factor against negative events in the brain, helping to preserve cognitive functioning and abilities.
The team published their findings in the medical journal, JAMA Neurology. It builds upon previous research that indicates that there are things that we can do to help lower the risk of dementia as we age. Hopefully, this continues to act as a starting point for future researchers as they search for better treatments or even a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just improve brain health and cognitive functioning. There are a number of things that will improve within your life when healthy changes are made and maintained. In turn, all of these things come with their own set of benefits. There are far too many positives to a healthier lifestyle than what can be explored in this short blog post.
This is not a realistic solution for everyone. There are likely people reading this right now that are dealing with dementia themselves or have someone in their family that is. If that’s the case, prevention is not going to be helpful. It’s already present and part of your life. Focusing on treatment and care becomes the priority.
If you would like more information on how in-home care can help someone with dementia live a higher quality of life, please get in touch. We have a full staff of professional caregivers that have expertise in memory care, with experience in both the home and in residential settings. Senior care can make a huge difference in how someone with dementia lives their life.
A conversation is completely free, with no obligation. We’re here to help. If you’d like more information on how in-home care or senior care in general can help you and your family, give us a call today.
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