October 10, 2018
Can we learn something about Alzheimer’s from an elephant? Learn more in this article.
The old saying is true: elephants actually do have incredible memories, even in their old age. Case in point, they can remember and go back to extremely specific places years after visiting them, irrespective of age. What exactly can we glean from elephants that might translate into maximizing our own brain performance later in life?
Remarkably, elder elephants’ brains reveal no buildup of the amyloid plaques a number of experts are linking to Alzheimer’s. Even though other health professionals tout the need for adequate sleep to permit the mind the opportunity to clean away plaques, elephants are stomping over that idea, sleeping as few as two hours daily.
But a single variable rises above the rest that just could be the main key: socialization. Studies increasingly indicate the connection between isolation and cognitive decline, and also the benefit of sustaining reliable social connections. Elephants continue being socially involved with close family herds for a lifetime, while our human busyness many times hinders the type of meaningful, sustained interactions we so desperately need.
Spending quality time together with your senior family members is simpler with a little assistance from the skilled St. Louis area caregivers at Continuum. We’re on hand to provide support with household chores, shopping, cooking, personal care needs, and more, freeing up time for older adults and their loved ones.
We’re also knowledgeable in supporting older adults to remain active and involved in the community around them, and can provide transportation and accompaniment to senior centers, exercise programs, and entertaining excursions, along with enhancing socialization right in the home with conversations, games, and pleasant activities.
And as we await a cure or at the very least an effective treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease, realize that the care team at Continuum is fully experienced and skilled in specialized dementia care. Because of this, those impacted by dementia are able to live life to their highest possible potential, and family caregivers get the assistance they want in managing some of the more challenging aspects of the disease, such as sundowning, aggression, wandering, and more.
Contact us online or call us at (314) 863-9912 or (636) 861-3336 to learn more about isolation and cognitive decline and how our assisted home care in St. Louis and surrounding communities can help boos well-being for your senior loved one! We’re available for as much or as little senior care as needed, from just a couple hours to allow family members to take an essential break from care, up to full-time, around-the-clock care, and everything in between. For a full list of service areas, visit us online.