What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
To understand Alzheimer’s disease, one should first know the definition and extent of dementia. Dementia is the deterioration and loss of a person’s cognitive functioning—that is, thinking, remembering, and reasoning—and behavioral abilities, to an extent that this deterioration and loss already interferes with the person’s day-to-day life and activities.
Being the most common cause of dementia among older adults, Alzheimer’s disease is characterized as a progressive and irreversible brain disorder that slowly destroys one’s thinking skills, memory, and—eventually—the ability to carry out even the simplest of tasks. Although not uncommon among older adults aged 60 and above, Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging and can be prevented. Alzheimer’s disease can also occur in individuals younger than 60. This is called early-onset Alzheimer’s. However, it is very rare. Elderly individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease must be provided the right senior care services tailored to their condition, in order to prevent them from injury and harm.
What Causes Alzheimer’s?
Like all types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the death of brain cells. Specifically, this occurs when plaques containing beta-amyloid form in the brain, resulting in the destruction of the brain cells. Another cause of Alzheimer’s is the loss of connections between the nerve cells or neurons. Since neurons transmit messages between different parts of the brain, the loss of their connection causes the symptoms.
How Do You Prevent Alzheimer’s?
Like most diseases, Alzheimer’s can be prevented, when steps are taken even from an early age to ensure that one’s body and mind stay healthy and active. These steps would include:
- A proper, nutritious diet that contains the essential vitamins and minerals the body needs. It helps more to have a diet intake consisting of whole and fresh foods that are free from harmful preservatives and trans fat.
- The right amount of sleep, which is 7-9 hours for adults.
- Regular exercise that incorporates cardio and muscle strength practice, for at least 30 minutes a day. Yoga and sports are also great, as they keep the body and mind active.
- A stress-free lifestyle which can be achieved by regularly checking if you are feeling burnt out or fatigued physically, emotionally, or mentally, and taking the time to relieve one’s self of the stress.
- Social interaction and engaging in stimulating activities, such as joining a book club, or playing interactive games with peers, in order to exercise the brain and prevent the formation of plaque.
Nu-Life Assisted Living, Inc. is an assisted living facility in Silver Spring, Maryland that aims to give your elderly loved ones a safe, comfortable, and convenient place they can call home. Our caregivers and personnel aim to secure a cozy place for our treasured residents.
We strive to provide services that are tailored to the individual needs of our residents, and you can trust us to give efficient, quality, and reliable residential care in Maryland for your loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.