Habits to Avoid the Need for Dementia Care

The words “dementia care” can be some of the most feared in elderly care. Sherman Oaks, CA residents dread the thought of needing dementia care for elderly loved ones. With it comes uncertainty, and maybe even a 24-hour caregiver.

With good elderly care services, Sherman Oaks, CA residents can stave off that dreaded time forever, possibly. An excellent provider of personal senior care can help encourage and organize certain habits and practices that can delay, or completely prevent, the onset of dementia. The best elderly assisted living in Sherman Oaks, CA is Home Instead. Our trained, licensed, bonded, compassionate CAREGivers can help put together and maintain a regimen for brain health!

Some of the habits that keep dementia care at bay include eating a natural diet. Processed foods lack essential nutrients that the brain needs to remain healthy and young. A good brain runs on a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, plus berries, and even nuts.

Another important element is remaining active. Regular exercise keeps the blood pumping, helps the body release endorphins, and encourages healthy cell growth. Exercise also reduces stress and aids heart health. Even if the exercise is only some leg lifts, arm circles, or other simple motions that are done while sitting, stay active! Your brain will thank you.

A third important step to avoid dementia is getting consistent rest. A good night sleep is like a reset for your brain. The glymphatic system uses that nightly sleep like the garbage collectors use the nighttime: as a chance to go around and get rid of the garbage that has accumulated. Without a good night's sleep, the brain has more buildup of undesirable elements, which leaves less room for healthier activities.

Those with healthy brains also never stop using them for learning or active brain work. The brain is like a muscle: the more exercise it gets the better it performs, and for a longer period. This could mean taking courses later in life, doing the daily crossword, working on crafts or some sort of hand work like knitting or crocheting, or other activity that stimulates the brain to think and work out problems.

And one last healthy habit to avoid dementia is to maintain friendships. Loneliness contributes to mental health issues. Good friendships and regular social engagements help the brain to maintain connections. This will look different for different people — some require more social stimulation than others can handle — but everyone needs some level of social involvement.

And on all these counts, the CAREGivers of Home Instead stand ready to help. Call today for a virtual or in-home assessment, 818-988-6848.