Surround Yourself with Stimulation

Dementia is an unfair disease. It shows up when you least expect it. It’s scary, it’s confusing, and a cure, as of right now, is unknown. We try different techniques to engage our brains to help delay the onset. Eating the right foods and taking part in a physical activity at least once a day for 30 minutes are two techniques that doctors say will help stimulate your brain and delay the chance of the onset of a dementia-related disease.

A recent study conducted by Utah State University discovered that the progression of decline in brain functioning among Alzheimer’s patients (one of the many names of dementia related diseases) could be dramatically slowed if caregivers simply change the environment, writes Huff/Post50's reporter Shelley Emling. 

The study found that:

“Caregivers who utilize higher levels of ‘positive’ coping strategies -- problem-focused coping, seeking greater social support, counting blessings -- were able to slow down dementia's progress as measured by a variety of global standards. Historically, patients whose caregivers rely more on "negative" coping strategies -- avoidance, blaming themselves or others, wishful thinking -- resulted in a faster decline on cognitive and functional measures, researchers said.”

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and one without a cure. Researchers and scientists are working hard to find it, but for now, we’re encouraged to ensure that we maintain an active lifestyle – be it socially, physically or mentally. Go for a walk, play a brain game, schedule a regular meet-up with friends throughout the week, it doesn’t have to be strenuous. Get out there, have fun, and engage your brain!