Research shows there are people who worry about losing their cognitive functions as they get older. The truth is that not everyone loses their mental abilities. There are actually many myths regarding older brains that have been debunked. It is important for senior citizens and their family caregivers to know the truth.
Mental Deterioration DOESN’T Happen to Everyone
This may be something that everyone is worried about – memory loss, dementia, where is this, where is that. The truth is that as people get older, they don’t always lose their cognitive functions. It doesn’t happen to everyone. So, if your elderly loved one is concerned about this happening, but they have a low risk of getting dementia or other neurodegenerative conditions, they likely don’t need to worry.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease AREN’T the Same Thing
Most people think that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the same thing. However, that isn’t true. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia and the most common kind, too. However, there are various other types of dementia (declines in memory, emotions, and thinking skills). Some of these types include:
- Vascular dementia
- Huntington’s disease
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Lewy body dementia
Sometimes, these types of dementia happen as a person gets older. Other times they are caused by a stroke or an accident of some sort.
Family History DOESN’T Guarantee Dementia
Your elderly loved one might think that because they have a family history of dementia it means they will absolutely get dementia, too. This is not true. There is a higher risk of getting dementia or other neurodegenerative conditions if someone has a family history of these diseases. However, that isn’t a surefire thing that the person with the family history will get it, too.
Alzheimer’s Disease CAN be Slowed Down
Some people believe that once Alzheimer’s disease gets diagnosed, that is the end of all quality of life. The truth is that Alzheimer’s disease can be slowed down. In fact, there are many different lifestyle changes that you and 24-hour home care providers can help your elderly loved one with to slow symptoms down. For example, the 24-hour home care providers can stay with your elderly loved one in the evening and overnight to ensure they are getting to bed on time and sleeping enough.
Older Brains Can Be Healthy
Now you know about some of the myths regarding older brains. However, even with these truths, it is still possible for your elderly loved one to get dementia. If that happens, you can always hire 24-hour home care providers to care for your elderly loved one overnight, so you don’t have to take every shift.
If at any point, your elderly loved one does have concerns about getting dementia, but they don’t have it yet, you should recommend they see their doctor. They may just need a physical to help put their mind at rest. That way, they can get the reassurance they don’t have dementia and are doing great.
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-aging-brain-affects-thinking
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Denver, CO, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Denver today. 303-756-9322
