Dementia is a general term used to describe memory loss and a variety of other disorders that affect how the brain functions. Some various types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for up to 80 percent of all cases of dementia. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease isn’t fully known or understood. However, several risk factors may lead to someone developing this condition.
Genetics
Family history is the greatest predictor of any disease, including Alzheimer’s. If a person has a direct relative, such as a parent or sibling, with Alzheimer’s, that person is more likely to develop the disease. Researchers are unsure about the genetic link, but a gene known as APOE has been identified as the possible genetic cause of Alzheimer’s. If this protein goes through a mutation and changes to APOE e4, it may increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, help is just a phone call away. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Assisting Hands Home Care is a leading Cincinnati senior care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Age
Alzheimer’s disease isn’t a normal part of the aging process, but age is a major risk factor for developing the disease. People may experience the early onset of Alzheimer’s in their 30s, but the disease typically develops in people who are 65 or older. Starting at age 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years. Men and women are equally susceptible to developing Alzheimer’s. Women are generally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s more often than men simply because women tend to live longer.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Concussions and other brain injuries that result from sports activities, vehicle accidents, and falls may lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. When a brain injury occurs, the body tries to repair the injury by sending blood to the injured part of the brain, which causes swelling of the brain tissue, leading to changes in the brain that may eventually cause Alzheimer’s.
Aging adults who need help managing mental and physical health issues may benefit from the assistance of highly trained professional caregivers. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age may benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Heart Health
Blood and oxygen supply the brain with the energy it needs to function properly. When a person has cardiovascular disease, his or her heart may not pump enough blood and oxygen to the brain, which may lead to Alzheimer’s disease over time. Seniors need to boost their cardiovascular health because they’re at higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s.
Lifestyle Choices
Nobody is able to change his or her genetics, but everybody has the ability to make better lifestyle choices. Following a healthy lifestyle may decrease the chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Seniors should exercise several times a week, eat healthy foods, get plenty of sleep, and participate in activities that require social engagement, all of which may help with ensuring enough blood and oxygen get to the brain.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you don’t have to go through it alone. Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s may be challenging for seniors and their families to manage. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Cincinnati Assisting Hands Home Care provides high-quality care aging adults and their families may count on. All of our caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 513-993-5025.
