Even though many adults stay mentally sharp well into their senior years, cognitive decline is a natural part of the aging process. As seniors grow older, their cognitive abilities could be impacted by many different variables, including oxidative stress, cell damage, free radicals, and acute injuries. Over time, seniors might find it difficult to follow complex conversations or learn new skills. That being said, elderly people can do quite a bit to preserve their cognitive health.
Cognitive Health & Aging
According to a long-term study carried out at the University of Oregon, almost every adult is going to lose some memory-making and cognitive abilities as time goes on. Some experts think age-related cognitive decline is the result of cell damage, while others believe brain receptors begin to close off with age. There’s still quite a bit to learn about the aging process, but it’s important to remember those changes are perfectly natural.
Typical Signs of Cognitive Decline
One of the most common byproducts of aging is mild forgetfulness. Seniors might regularly misplace their keys or forget why they walked into a room, and those issues are nothing to be worried about. Some older adults may also have a difficult time remembering certain words or following complex conversations when multiple people are talking at once. As a general rule, seniors should only be concerned if those memory problems begin to impact their quality of life.
Signs & Symptoms that Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Sudden cognitive decline is often the result of a serious medical issue that must be addressed immediately. Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia can drastically alter intellectual abilities in a matter of months, and caregivers should never ignore those signs. Some of the most common signs of dementia include severe memory loss, an inability to complete simple tasks, and mood swings.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Danville families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
Stimulating Activities that Can Boost Cognitive Health
After years of research, doctors have discovered that seniors can continue to boost their cognitive health at any age. For many decades, mental health experts believed it was nearly impossible to build new brain synapses or repair damaged brain cells after a certain age. They now know that stimulating activities and healthy lifestyle habits can boost brain health and cognitive abilities, which is why many experts now suggest that seniors continue to challenge themselves with puzzles, board games, and online classes.
Professional caregivers with training and expertise in methods of cognitive stimulation can be a wonderful asset for aging adults. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Additional Tips for Enhancing Cognitive Health
The mind won’t be as healthy if the body isn’t taken care of as well. Exercising multiple times a week is a great way to enhance mental faculties and emotional health. It’s also important for seniors to stick to a nutritious diet filled with brain-boosting foods. The MIND diet is an excellent option for older adults living with cognitive decline or a neurological disorder such as dementia.
Seniors with mobility limitations, health conditions, or severe cognitive challenges may find it difficult to manage their nutrition and overall health on their own. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Danville families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call today.