Can You Prevent Dementia in the Greater Miami-Dade Area?

Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving, caregiving tips, Dementia, mental health | 0 comments

What Causes & Prevents Dementia in Mimia

Although simply getting older is the biggest risk factor for dementia, there are certain things you can do to reduce your risk. Researchers are still investigating how dementia develops, but keeping active, staying healthy, and exercising your mind are all ways to help fight off the memory condition. 

Here at Advancare, our team of compassionate caregivers have some tips on preventing dementia. If your senior loved ones have contracted dementia, our in-home caregiving services are a great care solution, as we understand the cognitive and physical challenges that go along with the disease. 

What Causes Dementia?

Some dementia causes, or risk factors, are difficult or even impossible to change. These include:

• Age: The older you get, the higher your chance of developing dementia

• Genetics: While genes alone are not thought to cause dementia, certain genetic factors are involved with some of the less common types of the disease. Dementia develops because of a combination of behavioral and genetic factors. 

• Lower levels of education

When answering the question, can you prevent dementia, our Miami caregivers will tell you that these are risk factors that can be controlled and reduced:

• High alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol increases your risk of developing dementia. Reduce your alcohol intake to lower your risk of contracting dementia. 

• Smoking: If you’re a smoker, you’re putting yourself at a higher risk of developing dementia. You also increase your risk of developing other conditions, including stroke, lung cancer, and type 2 diabetes. 

• Unhealthy eating: A healthy and balanced diet can reduce your risk of dementia. Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and proteins, and be sure to drink six to eight glasses of healthy fluids per day. 

• Physical inactivity: Sedentary seniors are more likely to develop dementia. Physical activity is good for your heart, circulation, weight, and mental well-being. Even 10 minutes of activity per day can help. 

Alternative Treatments

There are a growing number of dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and medical foods that are promoted as ways to prevent dementia. However, the Alzheimer’s Association cautions against the use of the following, because claims about their effectiveness are based on testimonials rather than rigorous scientific research. 

• Coconut oil
• Coenzyme Q10
• Coral calcium
• Ginkgo biloba

How Diet and Lifestyle Can Impact Memory

Both diet and lifestyle can play a large role in memory and dementia. First, a diet that is high in saturated fat, salt and sugar, and low in fiber can increase your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. All of those conditions can go on to cause dementia and memory loss. 

Additionally, lifestyle choices, such as physical activity and exercise, can also affect memory loss. A lack of regular exercise can increase your risk of contracting heart disease and becoming overweight, both of which are risk factors for dementia.

Get in Touch with Caregivers in Miami

The in-home senior care services provided by our compassionate caregivers can play a huge role in preventing dementia and memory. Contact us at 305-441-9794 to get started.