OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Home Instead Senior Care and Women's Brain Health Initiative will host a live chat during World Alzheimer's Month to offer tips for reducing caregiver stress and reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia for women. The risk of a woman in her 60s developing Alzheimer's or dementia is 1 in 6, nearly double the likelihood of getting breast cancer. Not only are women more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other dementias, they are more likely to be providing care ––nearly two-thirds of those caring for someone living with Alzheimer's or other dementias are women, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
"We cannot talk about Alzheimer's, brain health and caregiving without addressing the disproportionate impact it has on women," said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist at Home Instead Senior Care. "World Alzheimer's month is an opportunity to remind female caregivers of simple ways to reduce stress and take care of their own brain health."
Hogan will join Lynn Posluns, founder, president and board chair of Women's Brain Health Initiative in a live chat on Thursday, September 20 at 1:00 p.m. EDT to offer tips for women to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and discuss support systems for female caregivers.
The following simple lifestyle practices can improve brain health for female caregivers, as well as reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and dementia themselves:
SOURCE Home Instead Senior Care
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"We cannot talk about Alzheimer's, brain health and caregiving without addressing the disproportionate impact it has on women," said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist at Home Instead Senior Care. "World Alzheimer's month is an opportunity to remind female caregivers of simple ways to reduce stress and take care of their own brain health."
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Hogan will join Lynn Posluns, founder, president and board chair of Women's Brain Health Initiative in a live chat on Thursday, September 20 at 1:00 p.m. EDT to offer tips for women to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and discuss support systems for female caregivers.
The following simple lifestyle practices can improve brain health for female caregivers, as well as reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and dementia themselves:
- Stick to a heart-healthy diet. The diet that doctors recommend for heart health is the same diet that may help preserve brain tissue. A brain-healthy diet is limited in sugar and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, dairy and fish.
- Seek out green space. Living in an environment with green space could slow down cognitive decline, compared with an urban environment where factors such as pollution and noise might have a negative impact. Green spaces encourage people to exercise and socialize, both good for brain health.
- Stay tuned to cognitive changes. Regular visits to the doctor can help monitor changes in brain health. Talk with your doctor about any changes in cognitive processing, which could be an early indicator of Alzheimer's and dementia.
- Get active. A study by the journal Neurology found women with high cardiovascular fitness significantly reduced the risk of dementia compared to a group that was moderately fit. Go for a walk with a friend, join a gym or try a yoga class.
- Boost your balance. The brain relies on complicated sensory and motor systems for balance. Changes in brain health can impact these systems, leading to problems with balance and an increased risk of falls. Simple exercises, such as standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe can improve balance.
- Stress less. Chronic stress can lead to nerve damage in the brain, which might have long-term implications on the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia. Simple stress relievers such as talking with a friend, meditating or stimulating the brain with a crossword puzzle can have a big impact.
SOURCE Home Instead Senior Care
