CAN THE MIND DIET REALLY AFFECT YOUR RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S?

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The old adage “you are what you eat” is taken up a notch, thanks to researchers at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center, who have discovered, at least observationally, that the MIND diet may ward off the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, such as cognitive decline and memory impairment. Including parts of both the Mediterranean and DASH diets, which are aimed at controlling blood pressure and improving heart health, the MIND diet goes a step further to address cognitive issues.

None of the 923 people who participated in the study had been previously diagnosed with any type of dementia. At the end of the 4 ½-year study, those who closely followed the guidelines of the diet were determined to be at a 53% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s. And even those who only moderately adhered to the diet had their risk reduced by 35%.

Of particular note, those who ate at least one serving of green vegetables each day had a “dramatic decrease in the rate of cognitive decline…the equivalent of being 11 years younger in age,” according to Dr. Martha Clare Morris, professor of neurological epidemiology at Rush.

With a follow-up study underway, we certainly haven’t heard the last of the potential benefits of the MIND diet. Visit The Wall Street Journal to read the full article.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA?

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The difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is confusing for many people. Often, it is assumed that they are just two different words for the same condition. However, that’s not quite the case. In short, Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer’s. But does making a distinction between the two even matter when you or a loved one is coping with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?

Yes and no, according to Paula Spencer Scott, author of Surviving Alzheimer’s: Practical Tips and Soul-Saving Wisdom for Caregivers, in a Huffington Post article. Recently, the diagnostic term “dementia” officially changed to “major neurocognitive disorder,” which may not mean much to the general public and may actually confuse the issue. Scott advises families not to get hung up on the exact name of what your loved one has as care needs are likely to remain the same, regardless of whether it’s Alzheimer’s or dementia. She does urge families, however, to find out what is behind the name of the diagnosis, including symptoms and changes to expect, and to find out what to do about the diagnosis in terms of a care plan.

Read more about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia and what it means for your family, and contact Responsive Home Care for professional home health care in Deerfield Beach and surrounding areas.

COPING WITH DEMENTIA

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Coping with dementia and the challenges that can arise for someone you love can be a demanding task. It is important to recall that they are not deliberately being difficult and understanding their situation will lead to better care and comfort for the client. Coping with difficult behavior takes time, effort and patience but having the awareness of the triggers that cause difficult behavior can alleviate stress for both clients and caregivers. There are five main triggers that caregivers need to be aware of when working with Alzheimer’s and Dementia clients.

Causes of Difficult Behavior:

  • Inability to Communicate
  • Difficulty with Tasks
  • Unfamiliar Surroundings
  • Loud Noises, Frantic Environment
  • Physical Discomfort
  • Dehydration

Caregivers who are aware of the causes of difficult behavior will be able to understand and guide their clients into a calmer and more soothing environment. In turn, a caregiver must manage the behavior that is presented by the client. Here are some tips to minimize the stress of clients and create a healthier environment for both parties.

Managing the Behavior:

  • Take a walk (exercise is one of the best stress relievers)
  • Keep noise to a minimum
  • Play calm and soothing music at low volume
  • Ask general questions about their past
  • Do not initiate physical contact during aggressive outbursts
  • Do not argue
  • Hydrate frequently

Understanding why people with Alzheimer’s or dementia have difficult behavior may allow you to affect the environment to better suit the care they need and alleviate stress. Getting additional help may also help both your senior loved one and the family caregivers. Contact the experts in elder care in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas for more tips for coping with dementia. We’re also always on hand to provide skilled dementia care to help someone you love experience the highest possible quality of life.