8 July 2017

Research about the relation between lifestyle and Alzheimer

In August 2016 the University of Los Angeles investigated the relationship between having a healthy lifestyle and Alzheimer. A healthy lifestyle decreases the build-up of proteins linked to the onset of the illness. 44 adults between the age of 40 and 85 with mild memory problems participated in the study. A PET-scan was made and information about their health, BMI, and physical exercise was collected. Ground-breaking research emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

 

 

Dementia in The Netherlands

Next to cardiovascular diseases, dementia is the most common cause of death in the Netherlands. Over 270.000 people are diagnosed with dementia and over 150.000 have nog been diagnosed yet. The number of people with dementia will increase given the continuous ageing of the population. According to doctors, dementia is also the illness with the highest burden for the patients. People who help the patients, like family caregivers, are very important in the lives of persons with dementia onset. Caregiving is a high burden and will only get worse, due to the progressive nature of the illness. Daily life support can ease this burden. In our latest blog we already spoke about many overburdened caregivers.

 

 

Dayclock as AID for Alzheimer

 

Technology can bring some solutions, and our Dayclock is a beautiful example of such an option. Our ‘Dementia clock’, as named by many of our customers, gives a very simple, but necessary solution. Next to the fact that the Dayclock displays time and data, it also shows dinner time, or time when medication should be taken. Being reminded of the daily tasks, like eating healthy meals, can make the life of an Alzheimer patient and their surroundings easier. Our Dementia clock is very user-friendly and does not ask for computer knowledge!

 

Back to the relation between lifestyle and Alzheimer. According to Wiesje van der Flier, neuropsychologist at VUmc Alzheimercentrum you have to start as early as possible with administering a healthy lifestyle. It is no rocket-science that a healthy life is beneficial, not only for you brain! Do not underestimate the importance of your health. Perhaps then you might not even need a ‘dementia clock’ in your future or you are able to stay in your own home for a longer period of time. Until there is found a cure for Alzheimer, use the Dayclocks to support people with dementia and their surroundings by adding more structure to their lives.