Strategies Memory Care Experts Use to Keep the Mind Sharp

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that over 7 million Americans currently live with this progressive disease, and that number is projected to nearly double within the next generation. Even more concerning is the fact that the risk increases as we get older:

• 65 – 74 – 5.1% of people have Alzheimer’s disease
• 75 – 84 – 13.2% 
• 85 and older – 33% 

Dementia-related memory issues affect the person’s independence and quality of life. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, memory care can slow cognitive decline and help affected seniors remain more engaged in daily life longer.

Nurse Next Door McLeans’ in-home memory care involves keeping the client’s mind sharp with stimulating activities, structured support, and proven strategies. 

Below, we highlight six approaches memory care experts use to nurture brain health and slow the progressive memory loss associated with aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of dementia.

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Regular Physical Activity

Exercise is not only good for the body but also essential for the brain. According to a recent study, it helps improve the memory of Alzheimer’s patients.

Physical activity triggers positive changes in brain chemistry that reduce inflammation, slow the buildup of harmful toxic proteins, and increase neuron survival. 

The best memory care experts incorporate gentle exercises that are within the person’s physical ability, such as walking, tai chi, stretching, or chair exercises. In addition to the benefits to the brain, these activities also improve balance and mood. 

Book a Caregiver Through Nurse Next Door McLean to Keep Your Loved One Physically Active and Mentally Sharp. 

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)

One of the most widely used approaches in memory care is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). In a home-care setting, CST is best for people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease and involves activities such as puzzles, memory games, social interaction, and simple tasks such as gardening or crafting. The idea is to keep the mind active and engaged with enjoyable activities and conversations.

Research shows that regular CST improves memory, attention, and communication skills in seniors with mild to moderate dementia.

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Nutritious Diet

Your diet directly impacts brain health. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as the Mediterranean and MIND diets, are linked to lower risks of dementia.

A study found that following a Mediterranean diet reduces the overall risk of dementia and slows cognitive decline with the greatest benefits enjoyed by people with the highest genetic predisposition. The diet includes: 

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole Grains
• Legumes
• Nuts
• Healthy Fats such as olive oil
• Fatty Fish such as sardines or salmon
• Lean Protein such as poultry, in moderation
• Minimal red meat, sugar, butter, dairy, and processed foods

The aptly-named MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) combines the Mediterranean diet with the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). The MIND diet recommendations are very similar to those found in the Mediterranean, with the inclusion of leafy greens and berries.

Because the MIND diet strongly focuses on eating foods that are known to boost brain health and avoiding foods that are detrimental, the effects can be dramatic. A 2015 study found that people who strictly adhere to the MIND diet see their chance of developing Alzheimer’s drop by 53%!

But the news gets better – even among those who only moderately follow the plan, the risk was reduced by 35%.

Caregivers can prepare meals that support cognitive abilities. Supporting brain health through proper nutrition is a natural way to reduce the risk of dementia, and it can easily be incorporated into the overall care plan.

Music Therapy

Music has a profound effect on memory and mood. Studies show that engaging in music therapy can help trigger positive memories and improve overall brain function.

For example, even though a person with Alzheimer’s disease may have problems with episodic and verbal memory, there is less impairment to musical memory. They are able to learn new songs and react emotionally to music.

Since life experiences are often accompanied by music, the brain can store memories and emotions with a particular song. Hearing a particular piece of music can trigger those memories, so playing songs that are personally significant can help Alzheimer’s patients recall past experiences. This is a wonderful way to preserve connections.

Even more encouraging is the fact that just listening to music passively helps them remember details about their life in greater, more accurate detail, even if the song is unrelated to the memory.

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Social Interaction

Loneliness and isolation can accelerate memory decline. A lack of meaningful interactions with others triggers changes in the areas  of the brain associated with mood, memory, and cognition. If someone is already experiencing age-related memory loss or the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, being severely lonely can accelerate the disease’s progression.

A recent study found that people who stay socially active cut their dementia risk by 38% and their risk of mild cognitive impairment by 21%. Additionally, the most socially-active subjects developed dementia around 5 years later than the least socially-active. 

Memory Care for Alzheimer’s patients prioritizes interactions with others:

• Conversations
• Visits with family and friends, both in-person and virtually 
• Shopping
• Group activities
• Outings

Experienced dementia caregivers take special care to make sure that the chosen social activities do not overtire or overstimulate their patients, balancing the need for engagement with their capabilities at the current stage of their disease.

Nurse Next Door McLean’s caregivers make sure your loved ones receive companionship, emotional support, and assistance with staying socially active. Book a Free Caring Consult today.

Ensuring Adequate Sleep

Poor sleep significantly raises the risk of dementia. A 2020 study found that, compared to those who sleep 6 to 8 hours a night, people who get 5 hours or less are at increased risk of dementia.

Getting sufficient sleep gives the body a chance to flush out the toxic buildup of beta amyloid, the protein believed to cause Alzheimer’s Disease. 

In-home memory care providers prioritize good sleep hygiene, including:

• A consistent and sufficient sleep schedule
• Scheduling naps during the earlier part of the day, not close to bedtime
• Subdued lighting
• Calming evening activities
• A quiet and peaceful sleeping environment
• Avoidance of caffeine and other stimulants at night
• Monitoring medications that may affect sleep

Choose Nurse Next Door McLean for Memory Care

At Nurse Next Door McLean, our expert caregivers are trained and experienced in providing personalized and comprehensive in-home Alzheimer’s and dementia care services. From keeping the mind stimulated through memory care at home to effective brain games and companionship, we can meet each client’s unique needs, preferences, and abilities. Our caregivers can keep your loved one’s mind sharp through activities of their interest and various brain games, such as jigsaw puzzles, card games, video games, and board games. Nurse Next Door McLean also manages difficult behaviors associated with dementia and ensures their safety by taking steps to prevent wandering. To make sure your loved one receives the right in-home Alzheimer’s care, book a free Caring Consult today.