Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and cannot be cured, although the progression of the disease can be slowed down. With these tips you can avoid forgetting.
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease , which manifests itself as a progressive loss of mental abilities. These include forgetfulness, disorientation or difficulties in understanding the language. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully known. Alzheimer’s patients increasingly have deposits from certain proteins in the brain, which destroy the nerve cells. In addition, Alzheimer’s is accompanied by changes in messenger substances that impair the transmission of impulses between the nerve cells of the memory system.
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Put the brakes on Alzheimer’s with these tips
Alzheimer’s cannot be cured, but it can be treated with medication. In addition, there are various ways to slow down dementia.
Physical activity
Regular exercise is a true fountain of youth and therefore also has a positive effect on existing Alzheimer’s disease. Make your everyday life active. Be it that you take the stairs instead of the elevator or cover many distances on foot or by bike. Even simple household chores such as gardening or needlework can help reduce the risk of dementia. If your physical condition allows, do endurance sports. Walking, hiking, swimming or cycling have a positive effect on your cognitive performance. Regular exercise promotes blood circulation in the brain and protects against further inflammatory processes.
maintain social contacts
In order to curb the progression of dementia, you should maintain your social contacts. Dealing with other people has a positive effect on your cognitive abilities. Older people in particular are often lonelier, which leads to inactivity and, in turn, to the progression of dementia. So get involved in social activities, such as attending a community college course, taking a dance class, or joining a tour group. Volunteering is also a great way to donate something worthwhile and make social contacts at the same time.
Brain jogging
Anyone who regularly exerts their gray cells stays mentally fit. The brain reacts primarily to stimuli that are received with interest and excitement. Relatives can therefore talk to people with dementia about topics that arouse interest. This form of memory training improves blood circulation in the brain and promotes the formation of new nerve cell connections. When Alzheimer’s disease is already advanced, short-term memory in particular is impaired. However, long-term memory is active for longer. In order to stimulate cognitive stimuli, relatives should awaken old memories in the person concerned – these can be old songs or a certain dish, for example.
Help your memory by using small memory aids in everyday life. Write down all appointments in a calendar, set a reminder in the calendar or hang up important notes in a clearly visible place. A fixed daily structure also provides security and makes life with dementia easier.
More information on Alzheimer’s: Here is a helpful guide for people with dementia from the German Alzheimer Society >>
