Dementia is a brain disease that affects more and more elderly people every year. Generally, dementia is difficult to diagnose and there is no specific treatment yet. Specialists often advise seniors to practice physical activities. But household chores can also help them preserve their cognitive functions and their autonomy. Below is useful information to know on the subject.
Dementia: what is it?
Dementia is marked by the degeneration of memory and mental abilities. This disease mainly affects the elderly. However, there are certain risks of suffering a dementia praecox. But the probabilities are low before the age of 60.
Generally, it is due to brain cell damage. They no longer have the ability to communicate with each other. It must be said that certain risk factors can promote the appearance of this disease. In addition to the aging stage, it can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, brain damage, certain medications such as anticholinergics, very high blood cholesterol increases, etc.
There are several types of dementia, the most famous of which is Alzheimer’s. But there is also Lewy body dementia marked by neurodegenerative disease, vascular dementia caused by recurrent stroke and frontotemporal dementia causing personality changes.
Knowing that it is an incurable disease, the best thing to do is physical exercises and brain activities that can improve memory and stimulate the brain. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, focusing on foods that are good for the brain, such as antioxidant-rich fruits and iron-rich foods. But the simplest activity to implement remains the performance of daily household chores.
What household chores should you prioritize?
After knowing what is dementia? comes the time to know the household chores that can prevent dementia. They would be beneficial for the brain. They require both physical and cognitive activation. They also promote a good mood. Moreover, according to research, they prevent the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. At the same time, moving stimulates blood circulation. As much to turn to this solution to prevent the disease and also to prolong thelife expectancy.
Among the household chores to be carried out at home, the following stand out in particular:
It is one of the works to reduce the signs of depression that are often associated with the onset of dementia. In addition, the detergent improves the mood knowing that it brings a feeling of satisfaction. On the other hand, some people who have joint abnormalities must limit their efforts or risk suffering fractures.
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Make storage in the house:
Knowing that dementia is one of the mental problems, it is essential that you can tidy up your living space on a daily basis. You should therefore try to declutter your living space as much as possible. This greatly reduces anxiety, stress and symptoms related to depression. Tidying up is similar to a meditative process. At this time, the brain can release endorphins. This reaction changes the perception of pain. This then triggers a feeling of well-being. For people affected by dementia, this is an important household task, as it strongly promotes concentration.
According to a new study, washing dishes by hand may help protect against dementia. The study, conducted in Sweden, found that people who did the dishes at least once a day were 52% less likely to develop dementia than those who didn’t do it regularly. How can washing up help prevent dementia? Researchers believe that the simple act of scrubbing pots and pans helps stimulate the brain and keep it active. Also, hot water and soap used for dishes can help reduce inflammation in the brain, which is thought to play a role in the development of dementia. The next time you’re tempted to leave the dishes to someone else, remember that you might be doing your brain a favor!
Wiping is the removal of debris, dirt and other contaminants from surfaces. It’s an important part of keeping your home clean and tidy, but did you know it can also help prevent dementia? A recent study found that people who regularly mop their homes were less likely to develop this condition. Researchers believe that the physical act of mopping the floor may help improve cognitive function and reduce the likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases. So the next time you’re considering skipping the housework, think twice! A little effort now could save you a lot of headaches later.
Otherwise, gardening and cooking are also tasks to be planned daily in order to benefit from optimal mental health with advancing age.