Brain Games Can Prevent Alzheimer’s and Anthem Senior Living In AZ

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The Alzheimer’s Association held its annual International Conference (AAIC) in the year 2016, which is also considered to be the world’s largest forum for the dementia research community. In the conference, experts, researchers and clinicians from more than 70 countries gathered to present and discuss the then latest Alzheimer’s research. In the conference, results from three particular studies stood out as significant, with findings that may impact how we ought to modify our own behavior and help keeping our brains healthier for longer. If you notice symptoms that are indicative of the onset of Alzheimer’s, then it is essential that you adopt possible measures in order to ensure the well-being of your loved one. You can get in touch with Anthem Senior Living for assisted living for your loved one. We have some of the most compassionate and experienced caregivers who takes care of the senior residents at all given times.

We are listing a few vital findings from the study:

Study: Brain Games Can Significantly Lower the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s in Half

The study involved observation of 3000 seniors over a period of 10 years and came out with the conclusion that 11-14 hours of computerized speed training reduced the risk of developing dementia by 48 percent. The study basically involved three groups: one trained in reasoning, another for memory improvement and a third in speed-of-processing training.

The speed-of-processing training involves a computer program that challenges users to quickly identify images in the center of their field of vision and match them with images on the periphery.

Significance of These Results

In order to understand these results, one needs to firstly examine the term “speed of processing”. Read on to know more:

As an individual gets older, the brains tend to process more slowly. For instance, it may take longer to solve a math problem today than it did ten years ago. But the speed of processing gets stronger if we continue to build up neural pathways. The good thing is that doctors prescribe such brain games as part of slate non-pharmacological treatments for memory loss. One can easily add computerized brain games to their lifestyle. As per research, some of the best ways to help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s is by maintaining a few brain-healthy activities like exercising regularly, having a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and keeping on challenging our brains.

Study: First Signs of Dementia include Personality and Behavior Changes

According to the researchers from Canada, Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI) may be the first sign of Alzheimer’s which is of fundamental importance because it suggests for the first time that the early signs of dementia may not only be memory-related, and instead may be neuropsychiatric. As per scientists, there are a few symptoms which if sustained over the course of at least six months, could be important enough to consult doctors. Few of the symptoms include:

Loss of impulse control, agitation and obsessiveness.

Perception of problems (hallucinations and delusions).

Depression, irritability, anxiety and lack of empathy.

Apathy and decreased motivation

Loss of interest in things a person once enjoyed

These findings suggest that you should always consider them as reminder and try to be in tune to behavior changes, both in yourselves and your loved ones. Mood swings or changes in behavior may or may not be linked to frustrations due to early memory loss, but if there is a major change that is sustained over time, one should seek medical help with immediate effect. Depression is another very common disease among older adults that manifests in behavioral changes and requires professional medical assessment and treatment. Make sure to pay attention if there is any unusual change and consult your doctor about what that could mean.

All in all it is important to keep challenging the brain which one can do by learning new things. Ask questions constantly like a child and try and learn something new at every given opportunity. You can start off with meditation for 10 minutes every day.

If you are a resident of the Phoenix region in Arizona and on the lookout for a private home in a quiet and renowned community and wishing for large and spacious rooms alongside friendly and compassionate staff, then Anthem Senior Living is the place for you. Approach us to learn more.