Alzheimer’s and dementia can be scary to a spouse or loved one, especially when they are unprepared. One is more likely to develop these diseases if their thinking and memory is on the decline, especially when they have nothing to boost or maintain these cognitive function. As your senior gets older, it is important to pay attention to the signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s while also reducing the risk and being prepared to care for them if they are already showing signs.
We talked about how to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia through brain boosting games and changing your diet to strengthen their cognitive abilities, such as memory and thinking. However, there are also other ways that your senior can reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia and cognitive decline
Here are six ways seniors can boost their cognitive abilities:
Do home repairs
Whether you and your loved one are handy or not, being a fixer-upper team will allow your senior to boost their thinking and maintain memory. Create a project to work on with them, start pulling up those DIY YouTube videos and get to work!
Let them nap
It may seem counterproductive to have your senior take a nap when you’re trying to keep their brain sharp, but napping allows seniors to retain more information. Just allow them to have a 45-to-90 minute nap each day and get their brain pumping again once they have awakened.
Encourage an artistic hobby
Whether it is sewing, knitting, painting or sculpting, seniors need to live creatively too, not only because it’s fun but because it reduces the risk of cognitive decline. Join a class or let them enjoy their newfound hobby at home, either way you will see the benefits.
Babysit your grandkids (or other people’s children)
According to a 2014 study in Australia, babysitting can boost your memory, but it is important to not overdo it. According to the study, babysitting for five or more days a week actually negates these benefits; therefore, make sure that your senior only babysits once in a while and don’t burden them with children everyday!
Play video games
Although several people tend to associate video games with violence and addiction, video games are actually found to have cognitive benefits. Video games, especially jam-packed with action, can boost or maintain perception, attention, memory and decision-making. Of course, it may take a while for grandma to get used to the controls, but that’s a whole part of the process. Let your children play video games with them for an hour every now and then and watch their memory and thinking improve!
Be their exercise buddy
Go for a 20-minute walk or jog, or engage in a different type of exercise session. Exercise has proven to improve long-term memory by about 10 percent according to a study by the Georgia Institute of Technology.
No more misplacing the car keys or forgetting when the bills are supposed to be paid. With these tips, you can help your loved one to improve their cognitive abilities and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
If you haven’t already, check out our blog to learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia and how to reduce the risk.