Huntington’s disease is a rare disorder that affects more than 30,000 Americans. The disease is characterized by severe nerve damage, cognitive decline, and limited mobility. Unlike other medical conditions, Huntington’s disease is genetic in nature. Cleveland home care experts share a few tips on how to manage this disease in the golden years.
1. Maintain Physical Activity
Exercise can become difficult as Huntington’s disease progresses. However, seniors who maintain some level of physical activity can delay the onset of mobility loss. Exercising on a regular basis boosts cardiovascular health and increases muscle flexibility. Seniors should consider walking, dancing, and riding a stationary bike
2. Curb Inflammation
Studies found that high levels of oxidative stress, inflammation, and free radicals rapidly accelerate physical and cognitive decline. Inflammation is worsened by factors like environmental pollution, high stress levels, exposure to toxic material, and inactivity. To reduce inflammation, seniors should switch to nutrient-dense superfoods such as leafy green vegetables and brightly colored fruits. Limiting alcohol consumption and giving up smoking can also curb inflammation.
3. Make Plans to Counteract Weight Loss
Weight loss is one of the most common symptoms of Huntington’s disease. Seniors living with this medical condition tend to lose weight to the point of developing serious health issues such as depression and chronic fatigue. To counteract excessive loss of weight, seniors should change their eating habits and increase their nutrient intake. If your senior loved one has difficulty eating, consider serving him or her healthy soup, smoothies, and other blended or mashed foods
4. Consider Cognitive Training
Cognitive training is one of the best ways to preserve memory and enhance brain functions. To delay cognitive decline, seniors should set up a clear schedule and practice remembering daily tasks. As a caregiver, you can help by creating a stress-free environment at home where your loved one can practice cognitive training. Essential features of this training regimen include:
- Relying on calendars and daily schedules
- Setting a predictable routine
- Cleaning and organizing the living area
- Maintaining social activities to lower stress levels
- Breaking down complex task into a series of small steps
- Keeping stressors at bay
5. Hire In-Home Care
At present, there is no known cure for several age-related issues. However, hiring professional caregivers is one of the ways seniors can mitigate some of the challenges they may face. In-home care experts are professionally trained to help seniors with an array of tasks, and some caregivers are trained in dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other types of specialized care.
Professional caregivers offer regular mental and social stimulation that can delay the onset of cognitive decline. When considering for home care, Cleveland families should do some research and find out the best caregiver agency and home care plan for their senior loved ones.
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