January is Dementia/Alzheimer's awareness month!
We still have no cure for dementia. Ensure to maintain a healthy lifestyle to slow the progression of the disease into the later stages.
At the beginning stage of Dementia, one knows what contributes to overall well-being. Always keep in mind that all significant in life will remain the same even when the disease starts to progress. At a later stage, one will require professional care to help with daily activities of living and managing dementia behaviours which can be challenging.
1. Get help early & stay connected!
It is crucial to get the information and support you, or a loved one needs to help to live a full life despite the disease. Your local Alzheimer Society is your first stop for learning resources & support.
The Alzheimer's Society of BC is currently highlighting how British Columbians affected by dementia continue to live full and meaningful lives and help other people affected by Dementia and their loved ones to find joy, happiness & peace.
When living with Dementia it is crucial to look after your health to help cope and live with the challenges of the disease.
• Ensure to see your doctor to address your specific challenges & health concerns.
• Schedule regular vision & hearing tests to avoid becoming vision or hearing impaired which will increase confusion and add stress.
• Use Canada’s Food Guide as your information
source for healthy eating unless your doctor
has recommended a particular diet for a
medical condition such as diabetes.
• Limit salt, sugar, and caffeine & keep your blood pressure
and (if you are diabetic) blood sugar within recommended ranges.
• Drink plenty of fluids!
3. Stay or become physically active
Choose a safe activity level depending on your mobility and health status and remain physically active. If you are faced with health and or mobility challenges consult your Physician first. Physical activity will make you feel better, promote your health & reduce stress. You also prevent muscle weakness and health complications associated with inactivity. It will improve your mood & sleep.
4. Maintain a healthy diet
Fuel your body with nutritious foods to maintain proper body functions, promote your health, prevent muscle & bone loss, reduce the risk of falls and provide energy. Consume lots of dark leafy and orange vegetables, citrus-reach foods (oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers, tangerines, grapefruit, and strawberries) whole grains and low-fat proteins. Vitamin C is known to produce antibodies, which boost immunity and help older adults fight off infections.
Consider the very healthy Medittarean diet which supports a healthy lifestyle:
Take time to prepare meals & cook (or get home care support to help you)
enjoy cooking and sharing mealtime together with friends & family
Enjoy three nutritious meals a day
Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
Get 8 hrs of sleep/per night
Health Benefits:
Reduce the risk of developing heart disease, lower blood cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve blood glucose (sugar) control for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
4. Be socially active
See friends and family regularly if they live close by or visit your local seniors centre for social activities, cultural outings as well physical exercise. Find a routine which works well for you and provides you with a meaningful, healthy & fun learning and social activities routine!
5. Stimulate your brain!
Ensure to be and remain an avid learner!
Learn new skills or a hobby
Engage in jigsaws and or crossword puzzles, Sudoku and or Wordsearch.
Play brain-boosting board games
Reminiscence and enjoy photographs/albums
Read a book and discuss it with a friend or join a book club at your local seniors centre!
Build Your skills by doing something you enjoy
For more helpful info, visit:
Comments