Even though there’s no current cure for Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, there are things seniors diagnosed with this disease can do to benefit them in the years to come. The average life expectancy for somebody diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is between eight and 10 years (Alzheimer’s Association).
Memory loss is the most significant symptom of this disease.
It’s one of the earliest signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. A person will likely begin struggling to remember where they put things, to keep track of appointments, have difficulty remembering conversations they had recently with somebody else, or begin using the wrong words at times without even realizing it.
Once a person has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, it’s essential to map out a plan for quality care, support, and their future. They may still feel completely capable of attending to their own basic needs at the moment, but that will change. It’s not a question of if those things change, but when.
It’s also a good idea to become more invested in mentally stimulating activities.
Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation has found through research that mental stimulation early on when a person has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia could help delay more serious aspects of memory loss for months and possibly even years.
This, in no way, indicates there is a cure or a way to reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s, but rather a potential method to improve comfort and quality of life for these seniors as they deal with the various signs and symptoms of it.
Here are a few simple 10-minute activities that could pay dividends in the years ahead for somebody dealing with dementia.
1. Playing Concentration.
This game can be played with just about any type of playing cards. Layout all the cards in neat, orderly rows. They should be face down. The object is for each person playing to turn over two cards. When they have a matching set, such as two fours, two tens, or two Queens, they go again. It requires focus and concentration trying to keep track of where all the cards are as they turn them over.
2. Doing the crossword puzzle.
For people who have never done a crossword puzzle in their life, there’s a learning curve. It takes some time to get used to the clues, but after a while it becomes a fun and exciting activity to do, either by themselves or with a friend or family member.
3. Writing in a journal.
Writing and reading require mental focus. By simply writing in a journal every day, that senior will be using their brain, giving it the exercise it needs to stay stronger and more focused as time passes.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Far West Houston, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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