Primary Alzheimer’s Causes: Latest Research
Alzheimer’s is a neurological disease that occurs when brain cells die, resulting in memory loss and cognitive decline. There’s currently no cure, but understanding the disorder and its risk factors could help seniors stave off the disease. Continue reading to learn about some of the top causes of Alzheimer’s in seniors.
Aging
As seniors grow older, they may begin to experience abnormal changes in the brain that lead to decreased intellectual abilities as well as personality and behavioral changes, which is why aging remains one of the top causes of Alzheimer’s in 2019. It can be more difficult for the body to repair brain cells in the senior years than in childhood and the younger adult years. Cell growth also decreases with aging, causing seniors to be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Your senior loved one can make positive lifestyle choices to protect his or her brain cells, such as eating healthy, exercising, avoiding caffeine and tobacco products, and staying socially active.
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. Home Care Assistance is a leading Albuquerque in-home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Hypertension
High blood pressure can lead to tangles and plaque buildup in the brain, increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. As the force of blood pushing against the inside of the vessels becomes too high, they have to work harder, which causes them to become less efficient. The stress can damage delicate tissues and narrow the artery walls, preventing blood and oxygen from flowing to different organs throughout the body. Diminished blood flow and damaged tissues can prevent the brain from functioning normally and increase the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
Isolation
Depression is one of the most common disorders seniors face when they isolate themselves from others. However, loneliness and boredom can also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s among older adults. When seniors withdraw from social activities, they fail to get the physical and mental stimulation their bodies need to function normally. As a result, they may experience many of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, such as confusion, memory loss, and cognitive decline. To prevent this from happening, keep your parent active in the senior years.
Aging adults who need help managing mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of a highly trained professional caregiver. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare services. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Genetics
Having at least one form of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. The gene can be inherited from either a mother or a father. Increasing numbers of seniors have first-degree relatives with Alzheimer’s, raising their risk of developing the disease. A large percentage of older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have the APOE gene, and it affects the processing and production of the protein known as beta-amyloid, which is associated with the death of brain cells. Your loved one should be tested to see if he or she has the APOE gene and develop a suitable care plan to stave off Alzheimer’s, reduce beta-amyloid buildup in the brain, and preserve quality of life.
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 can be challenging for seniors and their families to manage. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Albuquerque Home Care Assistance provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our hourly and live-in 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. We will work with you to create a customized Alzheimer’s home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at 505-798-0800 today.
