A new study looks at the toll that aging can have on otherwise simple tasks that require a degree of coordination. The researchers found that as people age, these simple tasks can become more and more difficult because of normal changes that take place in the brain.
In this particular study, researchers found that walking and talking at the same time can be a difficult task for seniors.
Because of this, the researchers looked at what they called “dual task training.” With this, the aging brain is given the assignment of relearning how to do two simple things at once. Initial observations say this could be helpful.
This study also looked at when the right time for an intervention might be. They found that although prevention is definitely the best policy, treatment interventions that took place years before they were needed were not effective. Additionally, if people waited too long after cognitive decline began to treat it, this was not effective, either. They found that treating cognitive decline as soon as it was noted seemed to have the best outcomes for those that were experiencing it.
The research was done by a team from Harvard Medical School. The team published their findings in the medical journal, The Lancet Healthy Longevity. So much is still unknown about the changes that take place in the body and the brain when people age, but hopefully this research will continue to guide future projects and provide more understanding for how we can help and treat seniors struggling with this right now. There’s more work to do, but this is a step in the right direction.
Sometimes we associate a decline in these kinds of abilities as something related to cognitive decline, such as dementia. But that isn’t necessarily the case. Aging also takes a toll on someone’s ability to perform these basic activities, although for different reasons.
Regardless, having a support structure in place to make these kinds of things easier is important. If walking from one room to another becomes a difficult task, it can also be a dangerous task. Add into the equation things like osteoporosis and other conditions, and a trip can become a major injury.
If you or a loved one need extra help around the house–either because of a fall, increased risk, or for another reason–there’s help out there for you. In-home care might be exactly what you’re looking for to help ease some of the burden for a loved one living at home. Each situation is different, and in-home care might not be quite the right fit for you. In this instance, working with a care professional is certain to get you pointed in the right direction.
Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about how in-home care can improve the quality of life that your family is experiencing. Senior care is what we do here at Paradise In-Home Care. Whether it’s in-home care or something else, we would be happy to talk with you more about how professional assistance might benefit your family.
Leave a Reply