Maintaining Patient Health
Research suggests that maintaining good overall health may slow down the beginning stages of Alzheimer's and perhaps its progression.
Here are some guides to follow:
- Exercise: Doing something that moves the body -- for at least 20 minutes three to five times a week
- Pleasurable activities are critical in maintaining health. If the person can not start them, either help to start activities or get professional help to get them going.
- Medications are a common source of confusion and result in illness. Careful attention to medication-taking is key to maintaining health
- Infection control: Make sure immunizations are up-to-date and wash hands or use hand-cleaning gel regularly
- Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet but if appetite is poor try small frequent snacks of high-calorie food
- Hydrate: Try to have at least 1 ½ quarts of liquid each day, avoiding sports drinks and caffeine whenever possible.
- Avoid fatigue: Get some rest during the day
For more information
This advice was adapted from "When Memory Fades. . . The Caregiver's Challenge Begins,'' offered by Banner Alzheimer's Institute.
