The exact cause of Alzheimer’s isn’t completely understood. Genetic predisposition and family history may play a role in its development, as can the accumulation of certain types of plaques and proteins in the brain. Here are some suspected causes of Alzheimer’s in 2019.
Lack of Deep Sleep
If your senior loved one has insomnia or fails to get enough deep sleep, he or she may be at risk for Alzheimer’s. It’s thought that when people don’t enter into recuperative or restorative states of sleep, toxic brain chemicals can build up in the brain, and it’s these chemicals that may heighten the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Deep sleep induces a special cycle that washes away these toxic brain chemicals from the brain, lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, help is just a phone call away. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Rhode Island senior home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders, especially depression, may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. People who have histories of major depressive disorders may be more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who have never had depression. It’s thought that depression and other mood disorders stress the brain’s intricate memory and reaction systems via exposure to glucocorticoid, a hormone that may cause cerebral inflammation and damage to the brain cells.
Aging adults who need help managing mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of highly trained professional caregivers. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Chronic Diseases
Chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension can cause systemic inflammation, which may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. These illnesses can trigger the release of an amino acid known as homocysteine. When too much homocysteine is expressed, it can cause neuron damage, which may be linked to the development of Alzheimer’s.
Hypertension can diminish the oxygen supply to the cerebrovascular system, damaging nerve cells in the brain. Diabetes causes abnormal glucose metabolism, which may promote inflammation and hypoxia, or ineffective brain oxygenation. Even if your loved one has any of the aforementioned diseases, it doesn’t mean he or she is destined to get Alzheimer’s disease.
When people take all their prescribed medications, follow their therapeutic diets, and see their doctors on a regular basis, the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia may decrease. Proper management of chronic illnesses also reduces the risk for complications such as renal failure, heart attack, and stroke.
Aluminum
High levels of aluminum may cause Alzheimer’s disease by increasing levels of amyloids and plaques in the brain. There is aluminum in certain antiperspirants, canned goods, pots and pans, and certain processed foods. Tap water can also contain aluminum. While prolonged exposure to large amounts of aluminum hasn’t been identified as a definitive cause of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers believe there may be a strong link. If your loved one has other risk factors for Alzheimer’s, such as a genetic predisposition or family history, discuss your concerns with his or her physician.
Every senior living with Alzheimer’s deserves high-quality Alzheimer’s care. Rhode Island families can rely on the caregivers at Home Care Assistance to keep their loved ones safe while managing the symptoms of the disease. Using our Cognitive Therapeutics Method, our caregivers help seniors regain a sense of pride and accomplishment while promoting cognitive health. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (401) 284-0979 today.