Homecare in Turnersville, NJ
While some memory loss seems normal with aging, there are some things that can be done to maintain brain power. While these are unfortunately unable to remedy medical conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, they may help your senior keep his or her thinking sharp. Of course, always check with a doctor if you suspect that your loved one is experiencing significant or dangerous changes in their memory, perception, or cognitive abilities.
Here are just a few things that may help your elderly loved one maintain their memory, cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities:
Eating “brain food” is believed to help boost brain power. Fish, beans, nuts, and other oily natural foods that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids. The antioxidants in berries and dark-skinned fruits are also supposed to be good. Leafy green vegetables are also thought to help maintain cognitive function but again should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist if your senior is on any type of blood thinner. Another more controversial question is the benefit of coffee and chocolate in small amounts.
Playing “brain games” can also keep senior minds alert. There are many brain training options available from apps to software to electronic handheld games. Some are online, others are software driven. None have been scientifically proven to cure or reverse memory loss but they are believed to help seniors maintain mental alertness and acuity. A list of games is included here.
Working on crossword or Sudoku puzzles is also believed to be helpful, but recent research indicates that while these so-called mind-teasers can be useful, a better way to strengthen mental muscle is to learn new skills. According to a CBS news story, seniors who dedicated themselves to learning an entirely new skillset improved their memories far more than the group which only did puzzles.
Another 2013 study indicated that playing video games helped seniors maintain their multitasking and memory abilities. And, an unspoken benefit is that it might give them a way to bond with the family’s younger generation as well.
Listening to music, or even better, playing it, has always been thought of as a brain enhancing activity. Encourage your senior to pick up an instrument if they played in high school, plunk out a few notes on a keyboard or piano, or sing to their heart’s content. Music may soothe the savage beast but it can also apparently help maintain memories.
For all of your homecare needs in Turnersville, NJ and the surrounding areas call and talk to us at Home to Stay Healthcare Solutions (856) 321-1500.
