Tips For Dementia Patients To Have A Positive Attitude To Slow Down Memory Decline

Most of us will have some problems with short-term memory and processing new information as we age. That kind of cognitive decline is a part and parcel of an aging brain, which is kind of a reminder that we aren’t as young as we used to be, but we manage. Talking about dementia, it is a different story altogether. If someone has dementia, it means that multiple areas of thinking are affected and that the condition is likely to get worse. Dementia means the decline in memory and other areas of thought is severe enough that the tasks and decisions of daily life become difficult, if not impossible.

Although there’s no cure for dementia, but there are ways to possibly protect against memory decline in dementia patients. One such effective way that can possibly slow the progression of the condition is by having a positive attitude or a positive outlook towards life. According to studies, mental well-being, such as one’s mood or outlook — can improve memory and decision-making in dementia patients. Moreover, it’s also helpful to be able to manage stress, anxiety and depression effectively. These traits can speed up cognitive decline and memory loss as seniors grow older.

As dementia progresses, it can increasingly interfere with daily life tasks, like remembering to attend appointments, take medication, or pay bills, and one might need extra assistance. Trained caregivers at Senior Sanctuary of Anthem in Phoenix are known for providing the highest quality care and support to residents, which is what has made us into an award-winning senior living in Anthem facility.

To have a positive outlook on life, seniors should start by avoiding negative thoughts- meditation can help. It is equally important to watch out for any side effects if you are taking multiple medications, since drug interactions can have negative impact on your mood, memory, and behavior, such as may cause trouble with sleeping, may lead to anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

Here are few tips for seniors to have a positive attitude:

Enjoy what you’re doing– Every day make it a point to invest your time in doing something that is productive and makes you feel good as well, such as taking a hike, signing up for a choir or singing group, learning a new skill like a foreign language, or just socializing with a group of friends.

Connect with your community members– Make it a point to get to know your neighbors. According to a survey, the more seniors socialized, the higher their mental well-being scores rose.

Volunteer- Individuals who volunteer tend to have less anxiety, stress, loneliness and social isolation. Studies have shown a higher mental well-being score in seniors who volunteer than those who don’t.

Get high-quality sleep– Inconsistent sleep patterns is what causes trouble, maintain a regular schedule where your sleep/wake hours do not fluctuate, which will help you in getting high-quality sleep. Also, switch off TV and keep your gadgets away before bedtime (when you are close to bedtime), in order for your brain to release the sleep hormone melatonin, which, in turn, will help you get sound sleep.

Diet and Exercise– Diet is extremely important, and a healthy diet consists of a variety of fruits and vegetables and healthy protein. Having a healthy diet is even more important for seniors as men and women age 50 and over who reported eating more nutritious and well-balanced meals also had higher mental well-being scores. Exercise is equally important, at least 3 times a week as it improves health, reduces stress and anxiety, and promotes healthy well-being. It is advisable that you exercise in a group to make the activity more fun and enjoyable, and it will also motivate you to exercise harder.