5 Activities to Boost the Immune system of Seniors with Dementia
Dementia is the progressive decline in the cognitive reasoning of an individual to a point in which it interferes with the person’s daily life and activities. Some of the skills affected include problem-solving skills, language skills, visual perception, and the ability to be focused.
When the brain’s healthy neurons (nerve cells) begin to die and lose connection with other cells, dementia is bound to occur. Of course, the severity ranges from the mildest stage, where it’s just beginning to affect the individual, to when the person is completely dependent on people around for a daily living like with senior care Brooklyn
Is there a link between the immune system and dementia?
As the immune system begins to age, a series of events that lead to the reduction of its innate ability to ward off infections occur. Due to this, the possibility of keeping the brain safe from age-related diseases, such as dementia, reduces.
In other words, our immune system is our best line of defense against neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. Hence, an attempt to give a push to the immune system of seniors with dementia, can help keep the disease in check, and further prolong the life expectancy of these seniors.
The most effective ways of boosting the immune system of seniors
Now that we’ve established how the immune system is essential in the fight against dementia, let’s look at the best ways of keeping it in good shape:
Maintain a good diet.
Since our body’s metabolic process breaks down food, which later transitions into the energy our bodies and immune system needs, our diet is important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
A good diet comprises of a healthy balance of real foods (not junks). That said, the nutrients that should top your list when picking your diet:
· Proteins
· Antioxidants
· Vitamins A, B6, E, C, and Zinc.
Get active
Never underestimate the effect of physical activities and exercise on your health. Although exercises might be difficult to perform as you get older, that’s not an excuse to become dormant.
Aim for at least 20 minutes of physical activity for three days a week. Such activities could include but are not limited to, walking, hiking, low impacts workouts, and yoga.
By increasing blood circulation and stimulating anti-inflammatory effects in the body, exercise helps improve the state of your immune system.
To keep track of your progress, get an activity calendar.
Get rid of stress
Talking about the mind-body connection, a lower stress level means a better immune system. To be clear, short-term stress isn’t harmful to the body. On the other hand, chronic stress leaves the body with a bad immune response. Some aged people have prostate issues ending up in irritation and increased stress levels. For this, considering medicines like ProstaGenix can be a progressive approach to deal with such issues. It comes with a powerful all-natural supplemental formula showcasing promising results in minimal time.
How?
The hormone- cortisol- which is produced during a period of stress, limits bodily functions which are not essential to flight-or-fight situations, including your immune response.
Seniors should find a way of reducing their stress levels. They should know their limitations and try out stress-relieving activities such as meditation and yoga.
Sleep well
It goes without saying that sleep deprivation reduces the immune response of the body. As people grow older, sleep becomes important to maintain proper brain function and memory.
Ideally, a nine-hour quality sleep is perfect for seniors. Aim for at least seven hours every night. Limit daytime naps to less than 45 minutes and keep your bedtime sacred.
If you are experiencing insomnia, talk to a doctor.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you are overweight, reducing your dormancy and increasing your physical activity can help keep your weight in check. You should do this because being overweight places risks on your immune system, and reduces its potency.
Final words
So that’s it! If you form an habit around these five activities- maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting rid of stress, sleeping well and keeping your weight in check- your immune system would definitely get stronger.