3 Things You Can Do Right Now to Reduce Your Risk of Dementia or Alzheimer’s

There are few things in life more terrifying than the thought of our own minds betraying us, and while there’s no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s (yet), and nothing can guarantee you won’t fall prey to one of these terrifying diseases, there are a few things you can do to lower your risk of getting either dementia or Alzheimer’s.

• Take Care of Your Body

People have long talked about the connection between the mind and the body, and for good reason. As an organ in the body, it makes sense that taking care of your body would also benefit your brain, which is probably why people who maintain a healthy lifestyle are generally less likely to experience any kind of dementia, including Alzheimer’s.

That means exercising regularly, eating your veggies, and reducing your sugar and alcohol intake. Smokers are also significantly more likely than non-smokers to develop some form of dementia, so if you smoke, consider talking to your doctor about coming up with a plan to quit.

• Eat Healthy Fats

Although fat has long been condemned as the bane to any healthy lifestyle, new research on the topic has revealed that certain fats are actually beneficial to our health. Fish oil, olive oil, and coconut oil have all been found to increase cognitive function, including for patients already suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

• Exercise Your Mind

The ancient Greeks believed our mind was like a muscle and would get stronger with exercise, and they weren’t entirely wrong. It’s true that the more we use certain parts of our brain, the more developed it becomes, and the easier it gets to access information from that part of the brain.

That could be why studies have shown that those who exercise their mind regularly are less likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. For some people, that means waiting longer to retire. For others, it can mean retiring early, but being proactive about maintaining hobbies that keep their minds sharp, whether it’s taking a class, learning a new language, doing crossword puzzles, or playing card games and/or board games on a regular basis.

Gardeners have also demonstrated a reduced risk of developing either dementia or Alzheimer’s, and it’s a great way to stay physically active as you age, so if you have a plot of dirt to call your own, get out there and plant some flowers or shrubs. Better yet, plant a vegetable garden so you can eat what you grow and kill two birds with one stone when it comes to developing and maintaining healthy habits.

If the unthinkable does happen and you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we at Stillwater Senior Living are here to help. From our healthy meal plans to our well-trained staff, we help our residents age in place by accommodating their mental and physical needs. If you’re ready to see what we can do for your loved one, reach out now to schedule a tour and see for yourself the benefits we provide to our residents.

Here at Stillwater Senior Living, we treat our residents like family. Our apartments include studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom suites, and we are pet friendly. They are designed with security features, maximum accessibility, and include walk-out patois with a full range of amenities for the entire family. We are also excited to open our Memory Care Neighborhood in the Spring of 2020.

CONTACT US today for more information and a tour of our beautiful state-of-the-art community.