We all know that it’s important to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Those who suffer from high blood pressure stand a much greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease and to suffer from the impact that this can have upon the body. Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. and maintenance of blood pressure levels is one of the easiest ways to help prevent this from happening.
Researchers from the University of Connecticut recently published a study that indicates that lower blood pressures in elderly individuals effectively helps to conserve brain functioning. By doing so, the brains of older individuals with healthier blood pressures were healthier, more generally free from disease, and were more likely to stay healthy for longer into the future.
In this study, almost 200 elderly individuals were observed for a period of about three years. These seniors were 75 years old or older during the duration of the study. You can find the results published in the journal Circulation, a publication of the American Heart Association.
Methods such as medication, exercise, and diet were used to help control blood pressure. Although some things, like cognitive functioning and walking speed, did not seem to be impacted by blood pressure regulation, there was a clear link to healthy blood pressure and good overall health. Not only did it help to improve brain activity, it also helped to reduce the risk of heart disease. White matter lesions were 40 percent less likely to occur in individuals that kept a lower blood pressure through intensive therapy.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy blood pressure, it’s important that you speak with a doctor. They will be able to help you figure out what needs to be done to maintain this aspect of your health.
In-home care is not designed to give medical care, but that doesn’t mean that there are no medical benefits to care. In fact, one of the things that we take great care to ensure that each of our caregivers can effectively do is to help with the application of and tracking of medications. One of the most common tasks that seniors struggle with is remembering to take their medications. Obviously, this is a big part of managing blood pressure. If your dad forgets to take his blood pressure medication with regularity, it is going to have an impact on his health. When a trained caregiver is there to help them remember this–and make sure that it is taken correctly–then your dad’s health and quality of life will improve. This is just one of the many things that a professional caregiver can help your parent to do.
Home health care is the type of care that’s designed to help seniors receive medical care in their own homes. If this is something that you are looking for to help out an older loved one, it’s not a service that we provide, but we can help you get pointed to local resources in this field. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions about care, medical or non.
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