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Lifelong habits of exercising regularly and staying mentally active may protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease, two new studies suggest.

In one study, scientists found that a history of exercise seemed to fend off brain damage in people who carry a gene that is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. A second study concluded that people who keep their minds active throughout their lives have lower amounts of a protein that forms the beta amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of the disease.

The exercise study focused on 163 adults, ages 45 to 88, who showed no obvious signs of dementia. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire to measure how much they had walked, run or jogged in the last 10 years.

The participants then underwent a positron emission tomography (PET) brain scan, a kind of imaging test that detects the telltale protein. Carriers of the high-risk gene who had exercised regularly had protein levels similar to people who lacked the gene, while those who did not exercise at all showed much more extensive amyloid deposits, said lead author Denise Head, an associate professor of psychology at Washington University in St. Louis.

“Exercise is number one,” says Rudolph Tanzi, director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. “What seems to happen is, during exercise, the brain turns on the enzymes that break down the amyloid,” he says, “so for prevention, I think the strongest data comes with physical exercise.”

A thoughtful life

In the second study, scientists at the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at the University of California in Berkeley asked 65 healthy older people with no symptoms of Alzheimer’s how frequently they participated in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, writing and playing games at ages 6, 12, 18 and 40 — as well as currently. Then their brains were scanned for signs of beta amyloid protein using the same technique employed by researchers in the Washington University study.

Those with the highest levels of mental activity throughout their lifetime showed consistently lower levels of protein buildup in their brains, said research scientist Susan Landau, the study’s lead author. Meanwhile, those with low levels of mental activity had protein levels comparable to those of Alzheimer’s patients.

Previous research has found that the more education you get, the lower your risk of Alzheimer’s, leading to a theory that greater mental activity creates “reserves” in the brain that allow people to better tolerate protein buildup. But the new study shows that isn’t the case, says Landau. “We’re actually showing that the cognitive activity” reduces the first signs of the disease she said. Rather than protecting against the disease, the intellectual stimulation may be keeping the disease from developing in the first place.

Samuel Gandy, M.D., director of the Mount Sinai Center for Cognitive Health in New York and a leading Alzheimer’s researcher, said that while the Washington University study reinforces the current recommendation to exercise as a way of lowering the risk of dementia, many questions need to be answered before researchers start developing recommendations for mental exercise.

“How do you compare crossword puzzles with violin playing? Which is better? How many times per day? How many days per week?” says Gandy. “It is easy to reduce physical activity to a prescription, but harder to do the same for mental exercise.”

Source: AARP.org

Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!  If you live in Macomb or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.

Alzheimer’s isn’t inevitable. Many experts now believe you can prevent or at least delay dementia — even if you have a genetic predisposition. Reducing Alzheimer’s risk factors like obesity, diabetes,smoking and low physical activity by just 25 percent could prevent up to half a million cases of the disease in the United States, according to a recent analysis from the University of California in San Francisco.

Here are 10 new ways you can boost your brain health now.

1) Get moving

“If you do only one thing to keep your brain young, exercise,” says Art Kramer, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Illinois. Higher exercise levels can reduce dementia risk by 30 to 40 percent compared with low activity levels, and physically active people tend to maintain better cognition and memory than inactive people. “They also have substantially lower rates of different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease,” Kramer says.

Working out helps your hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in memory formation. As you age, your hippocampus shrinks, leading to memory loss. Exercise can reverse this process, research suggests.

How you work up a sweat is up to you, but most experts recommend 150 minutes a week of moderate activity. Even a little bit can help: “In our research as little as 15 minutes of regular exercise three times per week helped maintain the brain,” says Eric B. Larson, M.D., executive director of Group Health Research Institute in Seattle.

2) Pump some iron

Older women who participated in a yearlong weight-training program at the University of British Columbia at Vancouver did 13 percent better on tests of cognitive function than a group of women who did balance and toning exercises. “Resistance training may increase the levels of growth factors in the brain such as IGF1, which nourish and protect nerve cells,” says Teresa Liu-Ambrose, head of the university’s Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory.

3) Seek out new skills

Learning spurs the growth of new brain cells. “When you challenge the brain, you increase the number of brain cells and the number of connections between those cells,” says Keith L. Black, M.D., chair of neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. “But it’s not enough to do the things you routinely do — like the daily crossword. You have to learn new things, like sudoku or a new form of bridge.”

UCLA researchers using MRI scans found that middle-aged and older adults with little Internet experience could trigger brain centers that control decision-making and complex reasoning after a week of surfing the net. “Engaging the mind can help older brains maintain healthy functioning,” says Cynthia R. Green, Ph.D., author of 30 Days to Total Brain Health.

4) Say “Omm”

Chronic stress floods your brain with cortisol, which leads to impaired memory. To better understand if easing tension changes your brain, Harvard researchers studied men and women trained in a technique called mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). This form of meditation — which involves focusing one’s attention on sensations, feelings and state of mind — has been shown to reduce harmful stress hormones. After eight weeks, researchers took MRI scans of participants’ brains that showed the density of gray matter in the hippocampus increased significantly in the MBSR group, compared with a control group.

5) Eat like a Greek

A heart-friendly Mediterranean diet — fish, vegetables, fruit, nuts and beans —  reduced Alzheimer’s risk by 34 to 48 percent in studies conducted by Columbia University.

“We know that omega-3 fatty acids in fish are very important for maintaining heart health,” says Keith Black of Cedars-Sinai. “We suspect these fats may be equally important for maintaining a healthy brain.”

Data from several large studies suggest that older people who eat the most fruits and vegetables, especially the leafy-green variety, may experience a slower rate of cognitive decline and a lower risk for dementia than meat lovers.

And it may not matter if you get your produce from a bottle instead of a bin. A study from Vanderbilt University found that people who downed three or more servings of fruit or vegetable juice a week had a 76 percent lower risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who drank less than a serving weekly.

6) Spice it up

Your brain enjoys spices as much as your taste buds do. Herbs and spices such as black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, basil, parsley, ginger and vanilla are high in antioxidants, which may help build brainpower. Scientists are particularly intrigued by curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, common in Indian curries. “Indians have lower incidence of Alzheimer’s, and one theory is it’s the curcumin,” says Black. “It bonds to amyloid plaques that accumulate in the brains of people with the disease.” Animal research shows curcumin reduces amyloid plaques and lowers inflammation levels. A study in humans also found those who ate curried foods frequently had higher scores on standard cognition tests.

7) Find your purpose

Discovering your mission in life can help you stay sharp, according to a Rush University Medical Center study of more than 950 older adults. Participants who approached life with clear intentions and goals at the start of the study were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease over the following seven years, researchers found.

Get a (social) life

Who needs friends? You do! Having multiple social networks helps lower dementia risk, a 15-year study of older people from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute shows. A rich social life may protect against dementia by providing emotional and mental stimulation, says Laura Fratiglioni, M.D., director of the institute’s Aging Research Center. Other studies yield similar conclusions: Subjects in a University of Michigan study did better on tests of short-term memory after just 10 minutes of conversation with another person.

9) Reduce your risks

Chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity and hypertension are often associated with dementia. Diabetes, for example, roughly doubles the risk for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Controlling these risk factors can slow the tide.

“We’ve estimated that in people with mild cognitive impairment — an intermediate state between normal cognitive aging and dementia — good control of diabetes can delay the onset of dementia by several years,” says Fratiglioni. That means following doctor’s orders regarding diet and exercise and taking prescribed medications on schedule.

10) Check vitamin deficiencies

Older adults don’t always get all the nutrients they need from foods, because of declines in digestive acids or because their medications interfere with absorption. That vitamin deficit — particularly vitamin B12— can also affect brain vitality, research from Rush University Medical Center shows. Older adults at risk of vitamin B12 deficiencies had smaller brains and scored lowest on tests measuring thinking, reasoning and memory, researchers found.

Source: AARP.org

Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!  If you live in Sterling Heights or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.

Holiday Gifts for People With Alzheimer’s Disease

Gifts for people living with Alzheimer’s

In the early stages

• Items to help remember things: Magnetic reminder notepads; Post-it notes; baskets or trays that can be labeled within cabinets or drawers; a pocket-sized diary or notebook; erasable white boards for important rooms in the house; a calendar featuring family photos and marked with special family occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries
  
• Items that may help with daily activities: Memory phone that can store pictures with the names and contact information of family and friends; an automatic medication dispenser that can help the person living with Alzheimer’s remember to take their medicine; night lights that come on automatically when it gets dark; a clock with the date and time in large type
  
• Entertainment: Give DVDs of the person’s favorite movies, and musical CDs or CD compilations of the person’s favorite tunes. Plan an outing to a movie, play, concert, sporting event or museum, or organize a holiday outing with the person’s friends and family. Arrange for activities such as scrapbooking or other craft projects that are social in nature.

Note: Giving electronics may seem like a good idea to make life easier for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, but that isn’t always the case. If you decide to give someone with the disease a new piece of electronic equipment, remember to review the operating instructions with them slowly and more than once. Make a copy of the instructions for the person and for yourself, so you can talk them through the process on the phone if needed.

In the middle to late stages

• Items that provide sensory stimulation: In the later stages of the disease, sensory stimulation may bring back pleasant memories, so gift ideas include scented lotions, a soft blanket or afghan to keep the person warm, or a fluffy bathrobe in the person’s favorite color.
  
• Clothes: Clothing should be comfortable, easy to remove and easily washable, which might include sweatsuits, knits, large-banded socks, shoes with Velcro ties, and wrinkle-free nightgowns, nightshirts and robes.
  
• Music: Research shows that music has a positive impact on individuals with Alzheimer’s, bringing back memories of good times, increasing stimulation and providing an opportunity for interacting with family members. Buy favorite CDs or create a CD full of musical favorites.
  
• Framed photographs or a photo collage: Copy photos of family members and friends, insert the names of the people in the photo, and put in frames or a photo album.

Source: Caringnews.com

Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!  If you live in Bloomfield Hills or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.

No matter what our age or health condition, physical activity is good for the body, mind and spirit.

When a loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory loss, exercise doesn’t become any less important. Inactivity can lead to muscle and joint pain, increased agitation, sleep disturbances, and other behaviors that make caregiving more of a challenge.

The National Institute on Aging offers suggestions for helping loved ones with dementia exercise safely:

• Be realistic about how much activity can be done at one time. Several 10-minute “mini-workouts” may be best.
• Help get the activity started or join in to make the activity more fun.
• Find time in the morning for exercise.
• Break exercises into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
• Choose comfortable clothes that are suitable for the weather and appropriate shoes that fit well.
• Make sure both you and your loved one drink plenty of water when exercising.

Some activities to try together:

• Take a walk together.
• Do simple tasks around the house, such as sweeping and raking.
• Work in the garden.
• Play music and dance.
• Exercise with videos made for older people.
• Throw a soft rubber exercise ball back and forth.
• Lift weights or household items such as soup cans.
• Use resistance bands, which you can buy in sporting goods stores. Be sure to follow the instructions.

In a recent Caring Right at Home poll, readers confirmed that the best way to encourage senior loved ones to exercise is to exercise with them. This is a great way to take care of yourself while you are caring for your loved one.

One more reason to be active

New research from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee shows that joining your loved one for a brisk walk or home exercise workout may be especially important for Alzheimer’s family caregivers. According to UWM College of Health Sciences professor J. Carson Smith, “Our study suggests that if you are at genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease, the benefits of exercise to your brain function might be even greater than for those who do not have that genetic risk.”

Source: Caringnews.com

Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!  If you live in Birmingham or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.

As we age, those minor physical ailments – including sore feet, poorly fitting dentures and skin irritations – may turn out to be not so minor after all.

A new study published in the journal Neurology has found that as problems not traditionally associated with brain health pile up, a person’s chance of developing dementia increases.

“When a lot of small things go wrong, it can add up to an important risk,” says Kenneth Rockwood, M.D., professor of medicine at Dalhousie University, Halifax, and an author of the study “Nontraditional Risk Factors Combine to Predict Alzheimer Disease and Dementia.”

The 10-year study, launched in 1992, included more than 7,200 cognitively healthy 65-year-old Canadians who were asked questions regarding their overall health. While the questions included known risk factors for Alzheimer’s, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, the thrust of the research was on 19 problems that seemingly have no connection with brain health – including vision and hearing, loose dentures, sinus congestion, arthritis, morning cough, and problems with the skin, stomach, kidneys or bowel.

While any healthy 65-year-old has an 18 percent chance of developing dementia in 10 years simply because they are aging, the study found that each health problem not traditionally associated with Alzheimer’s increased that risk by 3.2 percent. The risk accelerated as more and more conditions were added, jumping to 40 percent among those in the study who reported as many as 12 conditions. Since age is a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s, Richard Lipton, M.D., professor and vice chairman of neurology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, says the study in a sense is identifying people who “age badly” — developing one ailment after another so their biological age exceeds their chronological age.

While taking care of minor ailments is likely to improve a person’s quality of life, Rockwood says, no one has yet proved that fixing one problem after another would necessarily reduce one’s risk for Alzheimer’s.

His advice? “Don’t panic over one problem.” As much as bad things can add up, so can the good, he said, citing studies showing that walking as little as 30 minutes a day, three days a week “dramatically attenuated” risk factors for dementia.

Source: AARP.org

Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!  If you live in Bloomfield Hills or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.

Fish Reduces Alzheimer’s Risk

Regularly eating baked or broiled fish can help preserve brain power, according to new study

People who eat baked or broiled fish at least once a week may improve their brain health and cut the risk of developing memory problems or Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study presented today at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting in Chicago.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh selected the records of 260 participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study who were in their mid-70s and who had no problems with memory, thinking or reasoning. The researchers then looked at fish consumption and found that 163 of these men and women ate fish regularly, with the majority of them including it in their meals one to four times a week.

Ten years later, three-dimensional MRI brain scans were obtained for each participant. The researchers then did a brain mapping analysis on these scans that measured gray matter, which is crucial to brain health. “This is a mathematical way of understanding the influence of fish intake on the brain,” says Cyrus Raji, M.D., the lead author.

Taking into account factors such as age, sex, physical activity, obesity and education, the researchers determined that people who ate fish weekly had large amounts of gray matter in areas of the brain that are related to Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment, a subtle but measurable memory disorder. Although previous studies have linked eating fish to brain health, the researchers say this is the first study to establish a direct relationship between fish consumption, brain structure and Alzheimer’s risk.

“Specific areas of gray matter in the brain are smaller in people with Alzheimer’s because the disease slices away at these regions cell by cell,” says neuropsychologist James Becker, a senior author of the study. If you start out with stronger, larger brain cells, however, it will take longer before the disease destroys so many cells that behavior and thinking start to change, Becker says.

Many people say that Alzheimer’s is genetic and there’s nothing you can do about your genes, notes Becker. “That’s true. But even if you’re destined to develop Alzheimer’s you can delay the point at which the disease shows its face,” he says. “Look at it this way. If you drive a four-cylinder car and one of the cylinders blows, you’re in a lot of trouble. But if you drive an eight-cylinder car and a cylinder blows, you may not be in good shape but you can still get to where you’re going. This is the biological equivalent of building in an extra four cylinders so that even if something goes wrong you’ve still got a lot of oomph left.”

The researchers noted that regular servings of baked or broiled fish promote stronger brain cells in gray matter by making them larger and healthier; greater volume could reduce the risk for a five-year decline in mental skills by almost fivefold.

Although the study didn’t identify the specific kinds of fish participants ate, past research ties fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, to brain health. Scientists already know that eating these fish can protect the heart. It turns out that they also protect the brain. Fried fish, on the other hand, provides no such benefits. “Frying changes the chemical composition of the omega-3 fatty acids, causing them to break down so there’s less available,” says Becker.

“There’s a growing awareness that what we eat can affect our brain,” says Scott Small, M.D., a Columbia University neurologist who was not involved in the research. “This interesting paper is a critical first step in pointing out a link between eating fish and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.”

Source: AARP.org

Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!  If you live in Macomb County or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.

Many people worry about becoming forgetful. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Over the past few years, scientists have learned a lot about memory and why some kinds of memory problems are serious but others are not.

Age-Related Changes in Memory

Forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. As people get older, changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain. As a result, some people may notice that it takes longer to learn new things, they don’t remember information as well as they did, or they lose things like their glasses. These usually are signs of mild forgetfulness, not serious memory problems.

Some older adults also find that they don’t do as well as younger people on complex memory or learning tests. Scientists have found, though, that given enough time, healthy older people can do as well as younger people do on these tests. In fact, as they age, healthy adults usually improve in areas of mental ability such as vocabulary.

Other Causes of Memory Loss

Some memory problems are related to health issues that may be treatable. For example, medication side effects, vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic alcoholism, tumors or infections in the brain, or blood clots in the brain can cause memory loss or possibly dementia (see more on dementia, below). Some thyroid, kidney, or liver disorders also can lead to memory loss. A doctor should treat serious medical conditions like these as soon as possible.

Emotional problems, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, can make a person more forgetful and can be mistaken for dementia. For instance, someone who has recently retired or who is coping with the death of a spouse, relative, or friend may feel sad, lonely, worried, or bored. Trying to deal with these life changes leaves some people confused or forgetful.

The confusion and forgetfulness caused by emotions usually are temporary and go away when the feelings fade. The emotional problems can be eased by supportive friends and family, but if these feelings last for a long time, it is important to get help from a doctor or counselor. Treatment may include counseling, medication, or both.

More Serious Memory Problems

For some older people, memory problems are a sign of a serious problem, such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia. People who are worried about memory problems should see a doctor. The doctor might conduct or order a thorough physical and mental health evaluation to reach a diagnosis. Often, these evaluations are conducted by a neurologist, a physician who specializes in problems related to the brain and central nervous system.

Dementia. Dementia is the loss of thinking, memory, and reasoning skills to such an extent that it seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Dementia is not a disease itself but a group of symptoms caused by certain diseases or conditions such as Alzheimer’s. People with dementia lose their mental abilities at different rates.

Symptoms may include:

• Being unable to remember things
• Asking the same question or repeating the same story over and over
• Becoming lost in familiar places
• Being unable to follow directions
• Getting disoriented about time, people, and places
• Neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition

Two of the most common forms of dementia in older people are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. These types of dementia cannot be cured at present.

In Alzheimer’s disease, changes to nerve cells in certain parts of the brain result in the death of a large number of cells. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s begin slowly and worsen steadily as damage to nerve cells spreads throughout the brain. As time goes by, forgetfulness gives way to serious problems with thinking, judgment, recognizing family and friends, and the ability to perform daily activities like driving a car or handling money. Eventually, the person needs total care.

In vascular dementia, a series of strokes or changes in the brain’s blood supply leads to the death of brain tissue. Symptoms of vascular dementia can vary but usually begin suddenly, depending on where in the brain the strokes occurred and how severe they were. The person’s memory, language, reasoning, and coordination may be affected. Mood and personality changes are common as well.

What You Can Do

If you’re concerned that you or someone you know has a serious memory problem, talk with your doctor. He or she may be able to diagnose the problem or refer you to a specialist in neurology or geriatric psychiatry. Healthcare professionals who specialize in Alzheimer’s can recommend ways to manage the problem or suggest treatment or services that might help.

Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today!  If you live in Warren or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.

Source:  nia.nih.gov

University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt and recording artist Glen Campbell are the latest in a long list of celebrities diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, an incurable disease that gradually causes a decline in a person’s cognitive abilities. The 59-year-old Summitt informed her fans and followers in a video of her decision to continue coaching. Campbell, who is 75, made his disclosure while announcing his worldwide “Goodbye Tour” planned for 2012.

By discussing their conditions, these public figures helped to enlighten the public about Alzheimer’s, just as past generations have gained greater insights into the disease from celebrities such as Norman Rockwell, Charlton Heston, Barry Goldwater and Rita Hayworth. In announcing his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in a letter to the American people, former President Ronald Reagan wrote, “In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition.”

Persons who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are encouraged to open their hearts to friends and family when discussing this disease. A few helpful suggestions from the Alzheimer’s Association include:

• Explain that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging but a disease of the brain that results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior.
• Share educational information on Alzheimer’s or invite your family and friends to attend Alzheimer’s education programs.
• Be honest about how you feel regarding your diagnosis and allow other family members to do the same.
• Assure friends that although the disease will change your life, you want to continue enjoying their company.
• Let your family and friends know when and how you may need their help and support.

Source: Rightathome.net

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All people reminisce. Remembering times past is a pleasant diversion, stimulates the mind, and helps give us perspective and a sense of who we are. As a recent study from the Association for Psychological Science states, “Nostalgia is now emerging as a fundamental human strength.”

Reminiscing, the process of “life review,” is an important part of old age. As seniors recall their accomplishments and come to terms with past conflicts and disappointments, they achieve a heightened sense of personal identity and meaning in life.

Reminiscing also enhances self-esteem. Studies suggest that seniors who are encouraged to share events from their lives with others experience an increased sense of peace and self-worth. We all have a lifelong need to see ourselves as unique individuals, and the recollection of pleasant experiences, past accomplishments, and triumphs over adversity is part of this.

Reminiscing can be an important tool for socialization. Think about what happens when you first make a friend: you spend much time “filling each other in” on your life history—who you are and have been, where you have lived, who is important in your life. For seniors who receive home care, sharing memories is a great way for staff to get to know the person better by learning about their life stories and accomplishments.

Reminiscing can be especially important for cognitively impaired persons. Those with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia can often recall long-past occasions better than the events of the current day, since the disease affects long-term less than short-term memory. Interactions that include the recollection of events past can have a positive effect on the dementia patient’s emotional well-being.

Why Does My Loved One Repeat the Same Stories?

Sometimes family members and friends are concerned if the older adult repeats stories, returning to the same ones again and again. But recognize that this, too, is part of the life review process: the repeated stories are probably those that the person finds the most pleasant to recall, or may concern events that he or she is “working through.” Remember that a response from you is not necessarily required; he or she may just need you to listen in a non-judgmental manner.

Sometimes an older adult may seem to dwell upon life experiences that cause sadness, anger or frustration. Understand that this, too, is a way of dealing with the past and can be a sign of emotional health.  Allow these feelings to come out, and don’t try to suppress such expressions by immediately attempting to cheer up or distract your loved one. But if he or she seems “stuck” in a particular disturbing experience or time, encourage your loved one to speak to the healthcare provider.

Older adults are a treasury of stored experience. Life review and discussing “the good old days” is a beneficial, purposeful activity that helps older adults maintain a positive outlook.

Pure Home Care Services serves  Grosse Pointe and the surrounding area.  Our caregivers would love to reminisce with your loved ones.  Call us today! Our number is (586) 293-2457.

Source:  Caringnews.com

Over the last few decades, researchers have been fine-tuning a definitive “prescription” for healthy aging, defining the building blocks that combine to help us maintain the highest possible level of function and quality of life in our later years.

Immune System

A 2007 UCLA study demonstrated that loneliness decreases the efficiency of the immune system. The study’s author, Dr. Steven Cole, says, “The biological impact of social isolation reaches down into some of our most basic internal processes—the activity of our genes.” Several other studies also confirm that people with strong social connections exhibit stronger immunity against disease.

Blood Pressure

University of Chicago researchers released a study in 2006 showing that loneliness is linked to high blood pressure. Stress seems to be a key element of this connection. Author John Cacioppo points out that lonely individuals are less likely to approach stressful situations with “active coping and attempting to problem solve,” which leads to a hypertension-promoting passive reaction. For humans, discussing one’s problems with someone else is an instant stress buster.

Brain Health and Memory

People who are socially active may be less likely to develop cognitive impairment.  In a University of Chicago study, MRI scans confirmed the negative impact of loneliness on brain health. It is important to note that in these studies, the researchers were careful to rule out “reverse causation”—the possibility that study participants were less social because they had memory loss, and not the opposite.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is frequently called the number one ingredient for healthy aging, and numerous studies demonstrate that social connections lead to increased exercise. For instance, it is more fun to walk with someone. If it’s more fun, you are more likely to stick with it.

Depression

Depression is a common challenge of growing older. One of the most important and powerful ways to fight depression is to interact and engage with others.  Untreated, depression can cause a senior to withdraw from social engagement, but spending more time with others can help “jump start” recovery.

Pain

Chronic pain can have a major negative impact on quality of life. Maintaining social connection with others can be an important tool in decreasing the impact of pain. And people who are coping with chronic pain also report the positive effects of participating in support groups with others who are dealing with the same challenges.

Nutrition

Gerontologists have long known that social isolation is a big risk factor for malnutrition. Seniors who live alone often say that it is “just too much trouble” to fix a nutritious meal for one, and they may skip meals or get in the habit of snacking on junk food. This can lead to a serious weight loss—or in some cases, to obesity, when a lonely person turns to food for companionship.

Relationships

It may seem paradoxical, but socialization with a large number of people has been shown to have a positive impact on our primary relationships. Married couples who become too insular tend to expect their partner to meet all their emotional needs. In the same way, too much reliance on the parent/child bond can also be stressful for both, even when parents and children are the kinds who describe each other as “best friends.” Studies show that seniors who socialize not only with family members but also with their peers have better emotional, intellectual and physical health.

Contact Pure Home Care today…we’re here to assist Shelby Township and the surrounding area with all your home caregiving needs. Our number is (586) 293-2457.

Source:  Caringnews.com