Alzheimer's dementia affects around 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older.
For the families of these seniors, caring for them at home can be overwhelming. Managing memory decline requires patience, consistency, and specialized care. Unfortunately, these tasks may be beyond your capabilities. You can overcome these challenges by moving your seniors to an assisted living community.
Look for a community offering reliable memory care. Read on to discover the seven most effective holistic treatments for non-pharmaceutical memory care.
CST engages seniors in group activities that stimulate memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. The sessions often involve memory exercises, games, and puzzles. Seniors engage in interactive discussions on familiar topics like personal life stories.
These activities are designed to challenge the brain in a fun and engaging way. They keep the participants involved and mentally stimulated.
Mental exercise targets areas of the brain related to memory, rezoning, and cognitive function. Frequently engaging these regions can significantly slow down memory decline. Besides, cognitive health techniques can help minimize feelings of isolation, fostering a sense of belonging.
If you're planning to move a loved one to a senior living community, find one offering CST. Here, they'll receive reliable memory care, which will improve their health and well-being.
Most people tend to be agitated when desperately trying to remember something but can't. They feel like banging their heads on the walls when they can't remember where they kept the car or house keys. Most seniors with memory issues experience this kind of frustration.
Guide relaxation, being at the present moment, and deep breathing exercises can help them overcome this challenge. These activities reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity and an overall sense of calm. They help seniors deal with the frustration of trying to remember something.
Many assisted communities for seniors offer mindfulness for memory care sessions. Residents engage in various meditation and mindfulness activities, which enhance their emotional strength.
They learn to be patient and stop fixating on things they cannot remember. Once they calm down, their memories of certain things often seem to come back.
Many older adults with dementia or Alzheimer's can still remember and enjoy music. Listening to familiar songs can unlock their memories. It activates the part of the brain responsible for memory.
That's why one of the most popular natural memory remedies is music therapy. Senior living communities are effectively using it to help their residents. Seniors attend sessions where they listen to familiar songs and sing along.
Some communities have music classes where participants learn to play various instruments. In addition to having fun, music therapy can trigger positive memories and reduce stress.
Certain scents can stimulate cognitive function and improve mood. That's why senior living communities are using essential oils as part of their herbal memory treatments. They usually put essential oils like lavender, rosemary, and lemon balm in diffusers.
The aroma from the diffusers triggers the brain's parts responsible for memory and emotions. It helps the seniors remember things and improves their focus. It enhances their moods and makes them feel at home when they are in the community.
If you're caring for a senior with memory issues at home, research aromatherapy oils. Learn how different oils work to decide which one to get.
Activities like walking and dancing can have a huge positive impact on memory. They boost oxygen flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive abilities. Besides, physically active seniors lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Unfortunately, most seniors have mobility issues and cannot exercise independently. They struggle to find someone to help them work out if they're at home. You can resolve this problem by taking your senior parent to an assisted living community.
In the community, they'll receive expert guidance on how to perform various physical activities. They'll exercise as a group, which can make it more enjoyable. They can walk with other seniors, socialize, and have wonderful experiences.
The food you eat has a huge impact on your brain and memory. Junk food can decrease the generation of new neurons, which can cause memory issues. Seniors should avoid eating these kinds of foods.
Older adults in assisted living communities receive well-balanced meals. Meals are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants to boost their memory and mental sharpness. The nutrients in these healthy foods protect brain cells from damage. They minimize the negative effects of dementia and Alzheimer's.
They attend nutrition and diet classes where they learn how different foods affect their diets. They're guided on how to overcome bad eating habits like snacking on foods high in sugar.
Spending time with pets like cats and dogs can improve seniors' mood and brain functionality. The animals provide companionship, which can reduce loneliness and isolation. The bond with the pets triggers the release of hormones that induce happiness, relaxation, and well-being.
The seniors can pet the animals by touching and playing with them. Petting can help them lower their irritability and stress.
So, consider getting a cat or dog for your senior parent struggling with memory problems. Talk with them about the benefits of having a pet.
Before moving an older adult to an assisted living community for seniors, find out their pet ownership policy. Find out if they can take their favorite cat or dog with them. Remember to seek information on how they will be taking care of the pet.
Non-pharmaceutical memory care focuses on using natural remedies to improve cognitive function. They help manage memory decline while reducing reliance on medication.
Consider bringing your senior parents to Prairie Hills Independence Assisted Living and Memory Care for reliable help. We understand the emotional toll of taking care of a loved one with memory issues. Our quality services and amenities will keep your aged parents comfortable and safe during recovery.
Worry no more about your loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our community and learn how we can help.