The old adage is true: elephants really do have excellent memories, even into their old age. For instance, they’re able to recollect and return to very particular places many years after visiting them, regardless of age. Just what can we glean from elephants that might lead a new Alzheimer’s treatment and enhancing our own cognitive functioning as we age?
Interestingly, elder elephants’ brains reveal no accumulation of the amyloid plaques a number of researchers are linking to Alzheimer’s. And though other health professionals tout the necessity for ample sleep to enable the mind the opportunity to clear away plaques, elephants are stomping over that hypothesis, sleeping as few as a couple of hours a day.
But a single factor rises above the rest that just could be the main key: socialization. Research increasingly points to the connection between isolation and cognitive decline, as well as the advantage of preserving stable social connections. Elephants remain socially engaged in close family herds for life, while our human busyness frequently prevents the sort of important, sustained interactions we so desperately need.
Investing high quality time together with your senior loved ones is a lot easier with some assistance from the expert caregivers at JFS Care, one of the premier home health agencies in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We’re readily available to assist with household chores, shopping, cooking, personal care needs, and much more, freeing up time for older adults and their families.
We’re also knowledgeable in supporting aging parents to keep active and involved with the world around them, and can provide transportation and accompaniment to senior centers, exercise programs, and entertaining outings, along with increasing socialization right in their own home with conversations, games, and enjoyable activities.
As we anticipate a cure, or at least an Alzheimer’s treatment option, understand that the care team at JFS Care is fully trained and skilled in specialized dementia care. As a result, those impacted by the condition are able to live life to their greatest possible potential, and family caregivers are given the support they need in dealing with a few of the more difficult components of the disease, like sundowning, aggression, wandering, and more.
Email or call us at 213-383-2273 to take the first step in increasing wellbeing for your senior loved one! At JFS Care, providers of dementia care in Burbank, CA and surrounding areas, our professional home care team is available for as much or as little care as necessary, from a few hours to allow family members to take an all-important break from care, up to full-time, around-the-clock care, and anything in between.
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