?Is Your Parent at Increased Risk of Alzheimer's Disease?

Being an effective family caregiver means doing everything you can to understand the risks your senior faces as they age in place. One of the most pressing of these risks is Alzheimer's disease. Approximately 5.7 million people throughout the United States is currently living with Alzheimer's disease, a number expected to climb over the decades ahead. While there is no way of predicting if your senior will develop Alzheimer's disease, there are certain factors that increase personal risk. Understanding these risks enables you to take steps to protect your parent, or to prepare yourself for the possibility your parent will need care for this disease.

Some factors that increase the risk your senior will develop Alzheimer's disease include:

Being over the age of 65, with risk increasing more with age
Having a parent, child, or sibling who has been diagnosed with the disease
Carrying specific genetic markers
Personal history of head injury
Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Vascular diseases
High blood pressure
Smoking
Excessive use of alcohol
Sedentary lifestyle
Not eating a healthy, balanced diet

If your parent has these risk factors, or you have begun to notice challenges or changes that might indicate the beginning stages of Alzheimer's disease, get in touch with your parent's doctor. They can discuss the risk with you, evaluate your parent's condition, and possibly give them a diagnosis. If your parent is not living with Alzheimer's disease, the doctor can give recommendations to help you parent age in a healthy, safe way, and reduce their risk of the disease.

Starting senior care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions you make for them during the course of your caregiver experience with them. A senior home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to ensure they have continuous access to the level of support, assistance, and care they need. This means they can manage their challenges and limitations in the ways that are right for them, while also pursuing a lifestyle that is as safe, independent, and fulfilling as possible. As their family caregiver, it can give you a tremendous sense of peace of mind and confidence knowing that your senior has these highly personalized services when you are unable to be with them. This ensures the highest quality of life possible, while also relieving your stress, and allowing you to focus on other elements of your life.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Cottonwood Heights, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.

Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT

Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.