Last week I attended a talk given by an expert on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Having taking care of my dad and my aunt (at the same time), both of whom suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, I wasn’t expecting to walk away feeling encouraged. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
What I learned was actually very uplifting
The good news: you can control all but 2 of the risk factors of getting Alzheimer’s disease.
(And, the added benefit is they are things you should do to be healthy anyway.)
What risk factors are beyond your control?
Your age
Your gender (women are at higher risk)
What are the risk factors you can do something about?
Physical inactivity
Depression (untreated)
Smoking
Mid-life hypertension
Mid-life obesity, high BMI, high cholesterol
Education
Diabetes
I can’t think of a better reason to dust off your unfinished list of New Year’s Resolutions and start taking care of yourself.
Get moving. Take a class. Stop smoking. Join a gym. Talk to a doctor about treatment for your depression or diabetes. Ask your doctor to help you with blood pressure or cholesterol. Ask for help if you need it.
Your body will thank you, your family will thank you and you’ll feel better knowing your are improving your health and reducing your risk of getting Alzheimer’s Disease.
If you are struggling to care for an aging parent who has Alzheimer’s disease or memory care issues and are looking for a Senior Living community in the Denver Metro area that specializes in Memory Care, ReAssured Advocacy can help. Unlike senior housing placement firms we do not accept commission from the facilities. We work for you. That means you get unbiased information and have access to all communities including those that don’t pay commissions. Call us today at 303-756-8436.
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