Hiring caregiver services in Chicago might be a big help when caring for elderly individuals who are struggling with memory loss, but there are also some treatments and exercises for your loved ones that can help combat their weakening memory.
Age-related memory loss is not inevitable. The more you use your brain, the less chances you’ll have of memory loss. It’s like a muscle, if you don’t use it, you lose it. How you live your life affects whether or not memory loss will impact you.
Some of the things that are not affected by memory loss are your ability to do things that you often do (such as reading, cooking, or chopping vegetables), your knowledge and wisdom, common sense, and your ability to argue reasonably.
AGE-RELATED MEMORY LOSS
There are reasons why memory declines with age. One is that the part of the brain that is in charge with retrieving memories you’ve collected and forming new memories deteriorates as a person grows older. Another is that the proteins and hormones that act as brain cell and neural cell repairmen also decline as a person ages. Third, decreased blood flow to the brain in the elderly impairs memory.
DEMENTIA?
Just because someone is forgetful doesn’t mean it’s already dementia or a serious case of deterioration of mental health. Some of the things that can be considered as symptoms of memory loss but not dementia are:
- Forgetting where you put your things such as your glasses, keys, umbrella, or anything you can put down
- Forgetting parts of a conversation that just happened or forgetting something you just readHaving a lot of those on the tip of my tongue moments
- Forgetting names of friends or family
- Going into a room and forgetting why you went in there in the first place
OTHER CAUSES OF MEMORY LOSS
Memory loss doesn’t equals dementia and it is also not always related to old age. Some of the other causes of dementia are depression, a deficiency in Vitamin B12, problems with the thyroid, dehydration, medication, and alcohol abuse.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
There are lot of things one can do to combat memory loss. Mainly, a person just has to utilize his brain often! Like mentioned before, the more the brain is used, the less likely an individual will be affected by memory loss.
One of the things that you can do is stay social and keep in contact with family and friends. This way, stress is reduced while forming stronger ties with other people. Exercising is also great as it helps in the formation of new brain cells and reduces the chances and risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Eating healthy, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and fish will also help. Also, you should get the proper amount of sleep since sleep is the time where the body repairs itself, including the brain cells.
WHAT ABOUT DEMENTIA?
Some types of dementia cannot be treated with drugs, but it can slow down the effects. There are doctors available to help families cope with their members having such a debilitating disease.
The brain is like a muscle, if you don’t use it, you lose it. To prevent memory loss, all you have to do is stimulate your brain. Doesn’t matter what it is ‘ painting, reading, drawing, or socializing. Just keep your brain working!
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