Elderly Citizens Fight Back Against Dementia through Lifestyle and Diet
Announcement posted by Tall Trees Care Communities 26 Jun 2014
Provider of alternative to private aged care on the Gold Coast reveals how their communities provide a lifestyle that may help stave off dementia.
Australia, 26 June 2014 - If there is one word that strikes fear into the hearts of the elderly, it’s “dementia.” Until recently, dementia was a mysterious disease that struck the elderly without warning. However, recent scientific advances suggest that diet and lifestyle can play a huge role in whether or not a person develops dementia.
Genetics and age itself can also have a role in whether or not an elderly person will develop dementia. However, the importance of a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated.
Dementia is not really a disease; it is a term that encompasses many diseases in which brain function is reduced. Destruction of brain cells is at the root of all conditions known as dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, affecting as many as 35 million people worldwide.
Dietary Changes
According to recent research, some small dietary changes can have a large effect on brain function. One of the most promising substances is Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, known as PUFAs. Omega 3 PUFAs are the leader in the fight against brain cell destruction, according to the statistical results of most research.
Fish oil is the best source for omega 3 PUFAs and can be found in fish such as sardines, tuna, herring, salmon and cod. Two to three servings per week have been proven to provide major health benefits.
Antioxidant vitamins such as A, C and E are also helpful. Oxidative stress is present in the brains of virtually all Alzheimer’s patients who have been examined after death. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress. One cup of blueberries per week can make a difference in oxidative stress.
The B vitamins have been shown to foster effective neurological function. While the exact mechanism hasn’t been isolated, statistics indicate that B vitamins are helpful for keeping one’s neurological functionality healthy and efficient. Beans, seeds and green, leafy vegetables are great sources of B vitamins.
Lifestyle
Exercise is proving to play a major role in brain health. Two sessions of muscle-building exercises per week can make one half as likely to develop dementia if they are over 65 years of age.
However, the most important form of exercise may be exercising the brain. This can be done through puzzles, games and social activity. The buzzword of choice in the scientific community is “neuroplasticity,” which describes the brain’s ability to develop new neurological pathways upon demand. Social activity, games and learning all demand the development of new pathways. Neuroplasticity studies are yielding promising results.
Tall Trees Care Communities
Phil Usher, co-founder of Tall Trees Care Communities, has been aware of this research from the onset. Tall Trees Care Communities provide an environment that is conducive to keeping the brain, along with the rest of the body, healthy for as long as possible. According to Mr Usher:
“We provide onsite chefs to prepare healthy food. In addition, our residents have plenty of opportunity for exercise. We know about neuroplasticity and encourage ‘brain-builders’ such as puzzles and games. Most of all, though, they have a lot of opportunity for social interaction with like-minded people. Happiness and independence foster health.”
Tall Trees Care Communities provide a refreshing alternative to private aged care facilities and nursing homes. Their residents own their homes and choose their own level of care. Independence is preserved for as long as possible. To arrange a trial visit, call (07) 3442 9378 or visit their website: http://www.talltrees.net.au/.
Genetics and age itself can also have a role in whether or not an elderly person will develop dementia. However, the importance of a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated.
Dementia is not really a disease; it is a term that encompasses many diseases in which brain function is reduced. Destruction of brain cells is at the root of all conditions known as dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, affecting as many as 35 million people worldwide.
Dietary Changes
According to recent research, some small dietary changes can have a large effect on brain function. One of the most promising substances is Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, known as PUFAs. Omega 3 PUFAs are the leader in the fight against brain cell destruction, according to the statistical results of most research.
Fish oil is the best source for omega 3 PUFAs and can be found in fish such as sardines, tuna, herring, salmon and cod. Two to three servings per week have been proven to provide major health benefits.
Antioxidant vitamins such as A, C and E are also helpful. Oxidative stress is present in the brains of virtually all Alzheimer’s patients who have been examined after death. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress. One cup of blueberries per week can make a difference in oxidative stress.
The B vitamins have been shown to foster effective neurological function. While the exact mechanism hasn’t been isolated, statistics indicate that B vitamins are helpful for keeping one’s neurological functionality healthy and efficient. Beans, seeds and green, leafy vegetables are great sources of B vitamins.
Lifestyle
Exercise is proving to play a major role in brain health. Two sessions of muscle-building exercises per week can make one half as likely to develop dementia if they are over 65 years of age.
However, the most important form of exercise may be exercising the brain. This can be done through puzzles, games and social activity. The buzzword of choice in the scientific community is “neuroplasticity,” which describes the brain’s ability to develop new neurological pathways upon demand. Social activity, games and learning all demand the development of new pathways. Neuroplasticity studies are yielding promising results.
Tall Trees Care Communities
Phil Usher, co-founder of Tall Trees Care Communities, has been aware of this research from the onset. Tall Trees Care Communities provide an environment that is conducive to keeping the brain, along with the rest of the body, healthy for as long as possible. According to Mr Usher:
“We provide onsite chefs to prepare healthy food. In addition, our residents have plenty of opportunity for exercise. We know about neuroplasticity and encourage ‘brain-builders’ such as puzzles and games. Most of all, though, they have a lot of opportunity for social interaction with like-minded people. Happiness and independence foster health.”
Tall Trees Care Communities provide a refreshing alternative to private aged care facilities and nursing homes. Their residents own their homes and choose their own level of care. Independence is preserved for as long as possible. To arrange a trial visit, call (07) 3442 9378 or visit their website: http://www.talltrees.net.au/.