How Visiting Angels of Alexandria Can Help Empower Seniors

June is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and educate the public about this debilitating brain disease. As we age, it's natural for our memory to decline, but for some, this memory loss disrupts daily life and may be a symptom of Alzheimer's or other dementia. According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills, making it difficult to perform daily tasks and communicate effectively.

Recognizing the Warning Signs and Symptoms

It is crucial to be knowledgeable about the warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease so that you can properly diagnose your loved one with the disease and begin treatment. Forgetting new knowledge is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in its early stages. Other symptoms include constant questioning, forgetting specific dates or events, and an increased reliance on others, such as family members or memory aides, to complete tasks formerly managed independently.

The Challenges of Maintaining Mental Strength for Seniors

It may be difficult for seniors to keep their minds sharp, particularly while coping with dementias like Alzheimer's. People with this illness may experience a gradual loss of awareness of time, including the passing of days, seasons, and years. Because of this, they may get agitated and confused and have trouble interpreting their environment. They may also find it difficult to initiate or maintain conversation, which may make them feel alone and cause them to avoid social situations. Another symptom of Alzheimer's disease is the inability to remember where they left items and the subsequent difficulty in retrieving them. They may also easily accuse others of stealing, leading to arguments and stress with loved ones and caregivers.

Incorporating Daily Activities for Mental Stimulation

Regular exercise and mental stimulation may slow the onset of dementia and other forms of Alzheimer's disease in the elderly. Reading, solving puzzles, or playing memory games are all easy ways to use your brain and boost your cognitive abilities and memory. Exercising regularly has beneficial effects on brain health. Thus, it's crucial to promote physical activity. Some other ways to keep your aging loved ones' brains sharp are:

Memory games: Playing crosswords, Sudoku, or memory matching can help sharpen the brain.
Reading: Encourage seniors to read books or articles to keep their minds engaged.
Learning a new skill: Learning something new, like a new language or musical instrument, can help improve cognitive function.
Social interaction: Engaging in social activities and conversations can help keep the brain active and stimulated.

Recommended Time for Mental Health and Awareness

Seniors need to incorporate mental activities into their daily routines. Depending on their condition, they may need more or less time for these activities. It's recommended that seniors spend at least 30 minutes daily engaged in mental exercises to help maintain their cognitive function and overall mental health.