The exact cause of Parkinson’s is still unknown, but researchers have been able to identify some clear risk factors. While a few of those risk factors are completely out of our control, seniors can do quite a bit to prevent this disease. Here’s a quick glimpse at five simple and natural tips older adults can use to greatly reduce their risk of developing Parkinson’s.
Stick to a Plant-Based Diet
Most nutrition experts now agree older adults should follow a plant-based diet if they want to avoid neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Fresh produce is packed with phytonutrients and antioxidants that protect the brain and central nervous system. When buying fruits and vegetables, seniors should stick to locally grown organic produce whenever possible. Most of the vegetables grown on huge farms and shipped thousands of miles are filled with pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and other unhealthy additives.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Prevent Gut Dysfunction
Over the last few decades, millions of dollars have been spent researching the gut biome. While doctors still have quite a bit to learn about the gastrointestinal system, they now know it plays a major role in cognitive health. Seniors living with gut dysfunction won’t be able to produce an ample supply of dopamine, and a deficit of this vital neurotransmitter can greatly increase the risk of Parkinson’s. One of the best ways to boost gut health is to eat plenty of fermented foods, such as kimchi, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut.
Exercise Multiple Times a Week
A recent study published in the Harvard Health Letter revealed that regular exercise can reduce the risk of Parkinson’s by as much as 30 percent. Engaging in physically strenuous activities can also delay some of the worst symptoms of the disease. For older adults who are living with mobility or dexterity issues, swimming is an excellent option, as it burns calories and strengthens all the major muscle groups without damaging any of the joints.
Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of support and information about healthy lifestyle habits for seniors. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Montgomery, AL, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Avoid Common Toxins
Many people are exposed to billions of toxins every day, and those contaminants wreak havoc on cognitive health. Avoiding all toxins is completely impossible, but seniors can do quite a bit to make their home environments much healthier. At the very least, everyone should have their homes tested for asbestos, lead, radon, and other common toxins. If any of those contaminants are found, the entire house will need to be decontaminated.
Get More Sunshine
For the body to produce vitamin D, seniors must try to be out in the sun for at least a few minutes every day. Vitamin D deficiencies are extremely common, and that vitamin protects the brain’s receptors from unnecessary damage. Older adults who aren’t able to be out in the sun should eat plenty of foods that contain vitamin D, including organ meat, fatty fish, and egg yolks.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elder care. Montgomery families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.