Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month at Melody Living

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that worsens over time, often to a point that interferes with daily tasks and functions and most often occurs in seniors.

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia which affects thinking, memory, and behavior. Melody Living’s memory care community in Colorado Springs specializes in providing Alzheimer's and dementia care to our senior living residents.

​Although there currently is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, there are small actions you can take in your everyday life to address concerns related to the disease.

​The first step in fighting against Alzheimer’s and dementia is keeping up with your physical wellness and overall health. Quitting can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimers nearly back to the level of non-smokers, states the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Keeping yourself aware of high risk health concerns such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure is key. The same risk factors for Alzheimer’s are also risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke; which means by maintaining overall heart health and attending regular check-ups with your doctor, you’ll be decreasing your risk for developing all of them.
 
You can increase the health of your blood vessels and heart by partaking in regular exercise and getting your blood pumping. Melody Living’s state-of-the-art fitness center is made for residents of all capabilities to engage in Physical Wellness.

​Eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables can also reduce cognitive decline and is made simpler by our in-house gourmet chef. Each Melody Living resident is treated to three meals a day of five-star dining. 

​Consistently challenging your brain and learning new things through occupational wellness can aid with cognitive function as well. Challenging your mind through different activities such as building things, even something small like Legos, or playing strategy games like cards or chess help to keep your brain sharp. There are so many fun ways to keep your brain healthy; take a class, learn a new language, or start a new hobby.

Engaging in social wellness by staying socially active has positive effects on your brain health. Whether you are meeting up with your neighbor for a cup of coffee to catch up or meeting with friends and family on the weekends, get involved with your community.

Engaging in social wellness is also proven to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety which can have negative effects on cognitive functions and can even lead to decline.
 
Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing falls that can lead to serious side effects including loss of cognitive function.

​Brain injuries, even minor ones, can raise the risk of cognitive decline. Melody Living has partnered with Paxxon Healthcare Services to provide residents and others with our specialty Fall Risk Prevention Program.

Give us a call at 719.960.4005 or visit our contact page to schedule a tour, learn more about the memory care community at Melody Living, and be included in our Fall Risk Prevention Program to have your living space assessed.