5 Ways Brain and Memory Games Benefit Seniors

Home care assistance supports brain health in the elderly, reducing cognitive decline risk, promoting independence, and enhancing mental health for a better quality of life. Brain health is an important aspect of growing old. As your elderly loved one gets older, its important that he continues to practice good habits to keep his brain healthy so he can continue to enjoy these later years of his life. Home care assistance services can also help.  Three Great Benefits of a Healthy Brain A healthy brain has less risk of developing diseases such as dementia, Alzheimers, and other conditions that cause cognitive decline. A healthy brain can lead to a more independent life. If your loved one desires to stay in his home and age in place, keeping his brain healthy is a huge part of making that successful, along with help from home care assistance. A healthy brain is able to problem-solve, remember important facts, and manage day-to-day tasks, all important aspects of maintaining independence for your elderly loved one. A healthy brain improves mental health as well by reducing the risk of depression and anxiety. By being able to find the positive and feel good about himself, your loved one will enjoy his life more and the world around him.   Seven Steps to a Healthy Brain Just the way that physical health doesnt just happen, a healthy brain needs actions taken as well. Some actions can be taken on his own, but for others, your loved one may need support from a family member or a home care assistance team. Protect the head. Its important to protect his head to reduce the risk of brain injury. Simple steps like wearing a helmet while bicycling or putting on a seatbelt each time hes in a car are acts of protecting his brain from injury. Get a good nights sleep. Sleeping well is important for maintaining good brain health. Not sleeping well can make making decisions more difficult, making focus harder, and disrupting emotions. Exercise. Being active regularly is great for the brain. Physical activity raises the heart rate and gets the blood flowing to all areas of the body, including the brain. With the help of home care assistance, your loved one can start by planning daily walks of at least 30 minutes to keep in shape physically and mentally. Keep learning. Exercising the brain by playing games, doing research, or learning a new skill is an important part of brain health. Control blood pressure levels. High blood pressure can damage the brain, so keeping blood pressure levels under control through healthy living and/or medications is important to brain health. Manage diabetes. Diabetes is another health condition that can be detrimental to brain health. High blood sugar levels can damage brain vessels, resulting in memory and problem-solving abilities and possibly leading to dementia. Eat right. Eating foods rich in healthy nutrients and low in unhealthy ingredients can help the body provide the brain with what it needs to work at its best. Home care assistance providers can help seniors with nutritional support and meal prep.  Home Care Assistance Can Support Brain Health For some, making lifestyle changes to promote brain health is difficult to do on their own. Just like an athlete may need a trainer to help him stay motivated, your loved one may need help from others to stay on track. A home care assistance provider who helps him prepare healthy meals or encourages daily exercise is a great partner to have in brain health.      If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance in Arvada, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529 At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.  

As we age, maintaining cognitive health becomes increasingly important. Research shows that engaging in stimulating activities can help preserve mental acuity and potentially delay the onset of cognitive decline. 1,2Brain Training Strategies - Keeping your brain active involves a multifaceted approach:Cognitive Exercises Play challenging games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and chess Try memory-building activities like memorizing to-do lists Learn a new language or musical instrument Take classes at local community centers1 Lifestyle Modifications Change routine activities to challenge your brain Read instructional books Try new hobbies and crafts Engage in creative activities2 The Science Behind Brain HealthResearchers emphasize that brain training is not a guaranteed prevention for dementia, but it can be beneficial. The Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study demonstrated that targeted brain training can help seniors maintain mental skills.2Physical Activity and Cognitive Function - Physical exercise plays a crucial role in brain health. Studies have shown that:         Regular physical activity can benefit cognition across the lifespan3         Older adults with higher levels of physical activity experience slower cognitive decline4Holistic Approach to Brain Health - Experts recommend a comprehensive strategy:         Maintain a healthy diet         Get adequate sleep         Manage stress         Stay socially active         Follow medical advice for existing conditions1 Promising ResearchOngoing studies are exploring "cognitive super-agers" - individuals in their 80s and 90s who maintain exceptional mental performance. Researchers hope to uncover strategies that can help others prevent age-related cognitive decline4 Key TakeawayWhile there's no guaranteed method to prevent all forms of cognitive decline, staying mentally and physically active can significantly contribute to maintaining brain health as we age. The most important factor is to remain engaged, curious, and proactive about your cognitive well-being.References:1 - Brain Training for Seniors - familydoctor.org2 - Brain Exercises: Can They Help Older Adults? 3 - Physical Activity, Aging and Brain Health4 - How the Aging Brain Affects Thinking | National Institute onAging Editors Note: This article was submitted by Craig Luzinski, CEO of Hover Senior Living Community. For more information, please call Hover Senior Living Community at 303-772-9292.

In the past we have talked about and broken Alzheimer's down into multiple types.  They are:Type 1Type 1s primary characteristic is inflammation. Type 2Type 2s primary characteristics are low levels of nutrients, hormone factors, and/or trophic factors. Type 1.5Type 1.5s primary characteristic is insulin resistance (DIABETES)Here is the link if you would like to go back and read that:  https://alzheimerssurvivor.com/blogs/what-is-an-alzheimers-survivor/what-causes-alzheimers-diseaseAs we begin this weeks discussion, I want to remind you that Alzheimers Disease is not a single symptom.  Years of research show that you cannot point to one single trait as the single cause of Alzheimers Disease.  According to Dr. Dale Bredesen, people with Alzheimers Disease suffer from multiple insults for 20 - 30 years before developing Alzheimers. However, when you research what causes Alzheimers disease, most will tell you Alzheimers is a disease triggered by old age. Explaining that only people over 65 have Alzheimers Disease.   When in reality, the most common person diagnosed withAlzheimers Disease in 2024 is a 52-YEAR-OLD FEMALE!Most people slowly develop Alzheimers Disease over 20 30 years. While symptoms will become apparent in a person in their 40s & 50s, the disease began when they were 22 32. What triggers Alzheimers Disease to start to develop at this age? Usually, an unhealthy lifestyle!  Such as eating too much junk food, eating fast food, not managing their weight, & developing insulin resistance. Recently, we broke Alzheimers Disease down into 5 different categories.  As I said then, I find it easier to differentiate the types and symptoms to address what caused it.  Here is a brief recap:Type 1Type 1s primary characteristic is inflammation. Type 2Type 2s primary characteristics are low levels of nutrients, hormone factors, and/or trophic factors. Type 1.5Type 1.5s primary characteristic is insulin resistance (diabetesType 3Type 3s primary characteristic is exposure to toxins.Type 4Type 4s primary characteristic is low blood flow to the brain.Type 5Type 5s primary characteristic is brain damage.This week we will review what causes Alzheimers Disease in Type 3, Type 4 & Type 5 Alzheimers Disease._______________________TYPE 3Type 3s primary characteristic is exposure to toxins. What causes toxic Alzheimers?Today toxins are everywhere. There are heavy metals in our food, mold in our houses, toxic substances in our plastic, and pollutants in the air. If you live in the US, toxin exposure is a fact of life. While these toxins certainly are not good for us, our bodies are capable of removing these substances. This is known as detoxification. It becomes a problem when more toxins are entering our bodies than we can remove, or when our bodys detoxification system is unequipped to detoxify a given substance. When this occurs for some people, they begin to develop a subtype of Alzheimers disease known as toxic Alzheimers. The most common contributors to toxic Alzheimers are as follows: MycotoxinsMycotoxins are a class of toxic chemicals secreted from certain types of molds. Some of the most well-documented mycotoxins include aflatoxin, ochratoxin, fumonisin, gliotoxins, and trichothecenes. These toxins are capable of disrupting neurotransmitter synthesis, depleting the bodys antioxidant reserve, impairing the blood brain barrier integrity, and even killing brain cells. Altogether, a heavy burden of mycotoxins can contribute to the onset of toxic Alzheimer's disease. Heavy MetalsHeavy metals are another source of chemical toxicants that can contribute to Alzheimers. The most common neurotoxic chemicals are lead, mercury, and arsenic. While we are still waiting on further research to clarify the role of heavy metals in Alzheimers Disease, this is what we know:Lead - Lead is a heavy metal that readily passes through the blood brain barrier to cause direct damage to the brain. The result of lead toxicity is neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. Mercury - Mercury disrupts the bodys natural antioxidant system and causes an accumulation of reactive oxygen species. These are destructive molecules that damage the DNA and cause all sorts of issues. In the case of Alzheimer's, mercury builds up in the brain and contributes to memory loss and personality changes.Arsenic - Arsenic is a heavy metal found in the soil, air, and contaminated water. Arsenic travels through the blood and enters into various organ tissues where it stays. In the brain, arsenic disrupts the metabolism of brain cells called astrocytes. This metabolic disruption causes impairment to the central nervous system.Other ToxinsThere are many other toxins that we are exposed to in our modern world. Many of these are found in plastic products, such as bisphenol-A (BPA). Other sources include herbicides and pesticides used in agriculture. What are the signs and symptoms of toxic Alzheimers?Toxic Alzheimers can be one of the hardest subtypes to diagnose. This is because different toxins affect the brain in different ways. For this reason, it is important to understand all signs and symptoms that may lead to a diagnosis. The following signs and symptoms are as outlined by Dr. Dale Bredesen as a part of the Bredesen Protocol in the book The End of Alzheimers.Symptoms begin before age 65Usually ApoE4 negativeNo family history, or family history with symptoms beginning only at ages much older than the patientsSymptoms often occur around the time of menopause or andropause.Depression precedes or accompanies cognitive declineHeadache is an early symptom, and sometimes the first.Typical symptoms include executive function deficits (planning, problem solving, organizing, focusing), inability to manipulate numbers/perform calculations, trouble speaking or loss of speech, problems with visual perception, or problems with learned programs such as dressing.Increased stress (e.g., loss of employment, divorce, family change) and sleep loss.Exposure to mycotoxins or metals (e.g., inorganic mercury via amalgams, or organic mercury via fish) or bothDiagnosis of CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) with cognitive declineImaging suggests brain changes not seen in most cases of AlzheimersTYPE 4Type 4s primary characteristic is low blood flow to the brain.Type 4 or Vascular AD, is caused by a reduction of blood flow to the brain, which ultimately deprives the brain of essential oxygen and nutrients. The brain is an extremely vascularized tissue, meaning it requires large amounts of oxygen. A lack of oxygen to the brain leads to hypoperfusion (low blood flow) and compromises the blood-brain barrier which allows for harmful substances to leak in and damage neurons. Cerebral vasculature is extremely important as it is one way the body clears the accumulation of amyloid-beta.CHARACTERISTICS & BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS OF TYPE 4Leakiness present in vascular tissues.Individuals with cardiovascular disease have a high risk for Type 4 Alzheimers.These individuals do best when they prioritize healing underlying insulin resistance.CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTHMost people think of cardiovascular health, they only think about the heart.  However cardiovascular health extends to the entire body, including the brain. Vascular disease typically manifests in the brain as inflammation of the blood vessel lining. This inflammation has a series of negative effects such as activating the immune cells of the brain and reducing overall blood flow. Both of these are known contributors to the progression of Alzheimers and can increase the amount of amyloid plaque in the brain.  For this reason, there is a large crossover between the presence of cardiovascular disease and vascular Alzheimers. BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER INTEGRITYThe blood brain barrier often breaks down in those with Alzheimers disease. The blood brain barrier is the lining of the blood vessels around the brain that gives the brain an extra level of protection from bloodborne pathogens, & toxins. Since the blood brain barrier is so selective with what is and is not allowed to pass through, it can be a big deal when the structural integrity begins to degrade. Things that are not supposed to get into the brain begin to leak in. Nutrients that require an intact blood brain barrier to enter can no longer get in. This is why nutrients like omega-3 tend to be lower in those with blood brain barrier integrity issues. Cardiovascular health appears to play a large role in blood brain barrier breakdown with a positive ApoE4 status being highly correlated with vascular Alzheimers. TYPE 5Type 5s primary characteristic is brain damage.Traumatic brain injuries can contribute to the development of Alzheimers disease. While it is different for each person, the consequences of these injuries may extend long after the initial symptoms subside. Traumatic Alzheimers is the fifth subtype of Alzheimers disease and is characterized by a history of head trauma.  Often leading to an earlier onset of Alzheimers disease. While not all head injuries lead to Alzheimers, traumatic Alzheimers symptoms usually do not appear until many years or decades after the traumatic event. Causes of Traumatic AlzheimersThe categorization of traumatic Alzheimer's disease came about after recognizing that the majority of people who suffered a mild to moderate traumatic brain injury during their lives had plaque in their brain upon autopsy, regardless of the cause of death.Early research is beginning to explain how traumatic Alzheimers works, and how we can treat it. It appears that experiencing a traumatic brain injury causes acute stress to the brain and surrounding vasculature. Whether this is a one-time injury from an accident or a repeated trauma from playing sports, the brain becomes inflamed and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier begins to break down. While this reaction may subside in some people, it appears to kick-start the pathology of Alzheimer's disease in others. These are typically people who have an ApoE4 allele or have a predisposition towards inflammatory Alzheimer's disease or vascular Alzheimer's disease. For these people, a traumatic brain injury may expedite the onset of Alzheimer's Disease by years. When this occurs, the condition is classified as traumatic Alzheimer's disease. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMATIC ALZHEIMERSSigns and symptoms of traumatic Alzheimers will vary heavily from one person to the next. The most obvious sign would be a history of one or more traumatic brain injuries. Other than that, the signs and symptoms would depend on whether the brain injury is vascular or inflammatory. MISSIONThe primary mission of Alzheimers Survivor is to communicate to everyone that there are treatments available for people experiencing Alzheimers Disease. There are Research solutions available for every stage of the diseaseThere are FDA-approved pharmaceuticals for every stage of the diseaseThere are Integrative Medicine solutions available for every stage of the diseaseGone are the days when there was nothing you could do to treat Alzheimers Disease. It is up to each individual and their family to decide what option best fits your need. Next week, we will begin to discuss treatments that are available to treat Alzheimers Disease.Here are the links to purchase the books on Amazon and the link to Dr. Bredesens website.THE END OF ALZHEIMERS 2 BOOKS COLLECTION SET BY DALE BREDESEN PAPERBACK OCTOBER 26, 2023LINK:https://amzn.to/462LcY3The End of Alzheimer's Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at AnyAge Paperback September 6, 2022LINK:https://amzn.to/3xNcrctDr. Bredesens WebsiteLINK: https://www.apollohealthco.com/