How Memory Care Programs at Allara Support Cognitive Health

Memory care programs at Allara give seniors structure and engagement. These programs often include activities that stimulate physical and cognitive wellness, such as crafts and light exercise.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, about one in nine people aged 65 and older has Alzheimer's. By 2050, nearly 13 million people could have this condition.

Health and long-term care costs for people with dementia could reach $1 trillion by 2050. Before that happens, look into memory care programs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. These quality dementia support services may enhance your quality of life and slow cognitive decline.

On the fence about Alzheimer's care in Rancho Cucamonga? Read on to discover how memory-friendly activities can support your overall wellness!

What Is the Number One Cause of Cognitive Decline?

There's no one main cause of cognitive decline. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the stage between normal cognitive function and dementia. Though it doesn't affect daily activities, it may cause:

• Memory loss
• Trouble with judgment
• Difficulty with language

MCI increases the risk of developing dementia caused by brain conditions like Alzheimer's disease.MCI may occur due to:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Clumps of beta-amyloid protein and neurofibrillary tangles of tau proteins
• Lewy bodies (microscopic clumps of protein related to dementia and Alzheimer's)
• Small strokes
• Less blood flow through the brain's blood vessels
• Decreased size of the hippocampus
• Larger size of the brain's ventricles (fluid-filled spaces)
• Reduced use of glucose in major brain areas

Common risk factors for mild cognitive impairment include older age and having the APOE e4 gene. Lifestyle factors that may increase your risk of changes in thinking include:

• Obesity
• Depression
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Lack of physical exercise
• Lack of mentally or socially stimulating activities

What Are the Signs of Cognitive Decline?

Common symptoms of mild cognitive impairment include:

• Forgetting things often
• Losing your train of thought
• Missing social events or appointments
• Finding it difficult to make decisions or complete tasks
• Poor judgment
• Trouble finding your way around familiar areas
• Trouble following a conversation
• Difficulty finding the right word

You may also experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Common emotional changes include aggression or having a short temper.

Talk to a healthcare professional if you begin experiencing these symptoms. They'll determine if you have MCI and require treatment or memory care.

How Memory Care Programs Support Your Health

Relying on memory care programs can support your overall wellness. Here are a few ways these programs can improve your quality of life. 

Physical Health Benefits Mental Health

According to an article in the Journal of Aging Research, physical activity may help improve brain health. People who stay physically active have a lower risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

In this study, physically active participants had a 45% lower Alzheimer's risk and 28% lower dementia risk. Staying active may help preserve your cognitive health.

Exercising can also help:

• Improve sleep quality
• Reduce blood pressure
• Reduce feelings of anxiety
• Lower the risk of eight cancers
• Reduce the risk of falls
• Improve bone strength
• Reduce the risk of weight gain
• Lower the risk of stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes
• Reduce the risk of developing dementia and depression
• Allow you to live independently longer

Explore your senior living community's fitness program to find fun exercise classes. 

Cognitive Wellness

Memory-friendly activities can improve your cognitive wellness and specific skills. Cognitive training may have a positive effect on:

• Personal self-esteem
• Reducing psychological diseases
• Well-being and quality of life
• Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) scores
• Auditory verbal short-term memory

Cognitive training may help improve your memory and ability to complete daily tasks.You can discover cognitive training techniques through your local senior living community's memory program.

Socialization

Your senior living community's events and activities calendar can offer fun opportunities to socialize. Socializing with other seniors can give you a sense of purpose and belonging. Engagement may reduce your risk of physical and mental health conditions, including:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Cognitive decline
• High blood pressure
• A weakened immune system
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Anxiety
• Depression

Engaging in meaningful activities with other seniors may improve your quality of life and longevity.

Secure Care Neighborhoods

Moving into secure care neighborhoods can give you peace of mind as you age. You can feel comforted and safe, allowing you to prioritize your overall health and wellness.

Memory-Friendly Activities

Popular dementia support services and memory-care activities include:

• Light exercise
• Walking outdoor nature trails
• Arts and crafts
• Dancing
• Cooking and baking
• Live music performances

These activities can stimulate the mind and body. Keeping your mind engaged may help slow cognitive decline.

Consider adding regular exercise to your routine. Popular classes include:

• Walking and hiking groups
• Weight training
• Resistance band training
• Tai chi
• Yoga or chair yoga
• Light stretching

Explore your local senior living community for more memory care activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Stage of Dementia Is Sundowning?

Sundowning often occurs during the middle or late stage of dementia.It's an increase in dementia symptoms at the end of the day, such as:

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Distress
• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Pacing
• Feeling disoriented

Sundowning may occur due to changes in your biological clock or other factors, like:

• Medication side effects
• Tiredness
• Changes in lighting
• Hunger 

What Can You Do for Cognitive Decline?

Lifestyle changes that may help slow cognitive decline include:

• Getting regular physical exercise
• Keeping your brain active (with games, instruments, reading, etc.)
• Socializing
• Memory training
• Eating a diet low in fat and rich in produce (such as the Mediterranean diet)
• Getting enough omega-3 fatty acids

Making changes to your routine may help support your overall brain health, including:

• Cognitive health (thinking, remembering, and learning)
• Motor function (balance and movements)
• Emotional function (interpreting and responding to emotions)
• Tactile function (feeling and responding to touch)
• Sensory function (how well you taste, hear, see, etc.)

Consult a mental healthcare professional before making major changes to your routine. They can offer personalized advice based on your overall health.

Choose Alzheimer's Care in Rancho Cucamonga

Don't neglect your cognitive health. Instead, explore memory care programs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Look no further than Allar Senior Living for exceptional care. We offer Generations Memory Care and signature programs like Vibrant Life® and Elevate® dining, allowing you to maintain your independence as you age. Contact us now to schedule your tour.