How Battling Memory Loss Can Lead To Improved Hygiene

Over 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. With approximately 44 million sufferers worldwide, the disease most greatly associated with memory loss is a global issue. In many cases, memory loss is a top reason why seniors will refuse to bathe. Simply forgetting to get into the shower is a common factor in the depletion of one’s personal hygiene routines.

“Bathing can be a challenge because people living with Alzheimer’s may be uncomfortable receiving assistance with such an intimate activity,” explains the Alzheimer’s Association, “They may also have depth perception problems that make it scary to step into the water. They may not perceive a need to bathe or may find it a cold, uncomfortable experience.”

There are, however, a number of ways to assist older adults with their memory. Doing so can lead to improved hygiene.

Eat A Nutritious Diet

Healthy eating can be found on practically every single “how to live healthier” list that exists. It will not be left off of this one. Surely, you’re aware that getting your fill of fruits and vegetables each day is a vital part of healthy living. It can improve your memory too. Ruby Cemental of Caring Senior Service reports that artery-clogging foods such as beef, steak, dairy, and fried foods are detrimental to both the heart and the brain.

“Changing a senior’s diet to foods that are high in mono- and polyunsaturated fats, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and olive oil, will increase levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind),” she explains, “This will prevent blood vessels from getting clogged or damaged and reduce the risk of memory loss and stroke.”

Engage in Brain Games

Playing board games has long been a fun activity. Pulling them out for family night events is an excellent way to get all household members engaged. For seniors, such games also help to improve cognitive skills. Brain games are especially recommended for older adults battling dementia. They include such “thinkers” as crossword puzzles, word searches, and Sudoku.

“If we don’t stimulate and challenge our brains with new information, eventually this vital organ will deteriorate,” stresses Home Care Assistance, “Research on brain plasticity shows that events and information stimulate neurons. By providing your brain with the appropriate stimulus, you can counter degeneration and memory loss. Stimulating brain games for seniors promote cognitive health and strengthened memory.” 

Become More Active

The simple act of getting up out of your seat and walking around can improve both your physical and mental health. Cemental notes that physical exercise improves mood by supplying endorphins. It also provides opportunities for social interaction. This, of course, can improve memory, as evidenced by the results from a study conducted by the Center for Brain Health at The University of Texas at Dallas. 

It “showed that seniors who engaged in physical activities such as using a stationary bike or treadmill for only 1 hour 3 times a week for twelve weeks resulted in higher resting blood flow to the brain,” Cemental reports, “Improvements in mental health were seen in as few as six weeks as there was an increase in blood flow to areas of the brain associated with improved memory.”

When Forward Day came up with the Shower Bay portable shower, we had individuals with dementia in mind. Shower Bay enables them to enter with their shower wheelchairs for safe and comfortable shower experiences in any homeroom with a faucet nearby. This helps to remind them to bathe regularly. For more information about these revolutionary portable showers, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-877-593-4461 or email us at info@showerbay.com.