5 Tips for Keeping Your Brain Healthy While Caregiving
Many of us cope with the stress of caring for someone who has dementia. We agonize over the increasing losses that our loved one faces as dementia works its way through their brains. We also worry about ourselves. Will we, too, end our lives without recognizing the people we love? What, if anything, can we do to protect our own brains?
With this question in mind, I asked two brain experts for their input on how caregivers can practice self-care and reduce worry about their health, specifically their brain health.
What’s good for the heart is good for the brain
First, I questioned Benjamin T. Mast, Ph.D., ABPP, who is a Board Certified Geropsychologist, for his thoughts. Dr. Mast is Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville, Kentucky. He offers these suggestions:
“Caregivers hoping to maintain brain health can focus on both behavioral and medical health,” Dr. Mast says. “From a medical perspective, what is good for the heart is good for the brain. Maintaining good cardiovascular health is critical to brain health.
“Eating a heart-healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise and physical activity are basic steps that can be taken. Caregivers with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease should follow the treatment regimens offered by their physicians. Poor management of these medical conditions puts the brain and cognition at risk.
“From a behavioral perspective, staying cognitively and socially engaged are also associated with brain health. Caregivers should find cognitively stimulating activities that they enjoy. Not everyone needs to do crossword puzzles and Sudoku, especially if they don’t enjoy them…
Helpful Tools:
Stay connected with Memoryboard: Designed by caregivers. Memoryboard helps families share reminders, messages, updates, and photos on an easy-to-use screen designed for people with dementia. Peace of mind for families, independence for loved ones.
Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, has opened up support! View two free caregiving webinars that can help you help your older parents (and yourself).
Discover the Difference. EGOSAN: The premium incontinence brand caregivers love: They save work! Now Available on Amazon.
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories: “…This book is for all of us; let it help you cope! Thank you to the author and everyone she spoke with!” …Dolores
Wetness indicator and alert to help manage incontinence with dignity. SenecaSense Home: Discreet Support That Restores Comfort and Confidence
