Lifestyle Problems That Increase Risk For Developing Alzheimer’s

The huge prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults makes it important to assess your risk for the same (with increasing age) and work towards preventing it. It is true that there is no cure to it, but it is also true that it is very well within your means to prevent it. Making some lifestyle changes (adopting positive lifestyle measures) can drastically cut your risk.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is not easy to accept. What is more challenging is caring for someone diagnosed with the condition due to the fact that Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition meaning the symptoms worsen with each passing day. The decline in cognitive abilities and bodily functions beside loss of memory makes it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks. Add to that, handling the behavioral changes that dementia brings can drain a caregiver of all their energy, making it difficult to cope (when life revolves around medicines, uncertainty, etc). This is where Anthem assisted living facilities offering specialized memory care come into the picture.

Lifestyle issues that increase risk for developing Alzheimer’s:

1. Heart problems and factors leading to cardiac diseases, such as high blood pressure and high levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol and diabetes
2. Depression, anxiety
3. Sedentary behaviors like reliance on fast food, lack of physical activity
4. Excess alcohol consumption

Working on the aforementioned activities is the only way to keep Alzheimer’s at bay.

To be a caregiver to someone who cannot operate in what is said to be the “normal” context indeed is challenging. It can be daunting and extremely draining. It is important to voice troubles and concerns instead of deciding against it. It doesn’t make your love any less for them. Being able to find a reasonable outlet is essential for the well-being of both yourself and your beloved. Until you are able to keep your well-being intact, how on Earth will you look after those that depend on you. There’s nothing wrong in sharing your responsibilities with a professional caregiver for you to efficiently deal with the burden of stress.

What you’re dealing with is not easy. Being a caregiver can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and when parents are concerned, things might be more taxing. This is where prioritizing your own well-being becomes important. It is only when you are feeling well (you are happy) that you can summon the energy to take care of others. It is very much within your means to take up a relaxing hobby, go on a break somewhere, or you could consider speaking to someone too (a loved one, therapist) which will allow you to talk through your feelings and vent if required.

It is always difficult to become a caregiver, and sadly, people (that are not in a similar situation) often fail to understand this experience. You are bound to feel frustration and exhaustion. It’s hard to cope when your own needs get subsumed in the process of caregiving. Enlisting support can hold you in good stead. Doing something like this alone will eventually take its toll, and let truth be told, you cannot be the sole support for much longer when caring for a dementia loved one. Handing over some aspects of caregiving will ease your load. It is important to find the support you truly need both for yourself and your loved one. When life gives you a difficult deck, playing it and hoping for it to shuffle better is probably the best way forward. To book a suite at Anthem Senior Living, call us at 602.909.9550.