Tools for Caregivers

Healthy Lifestyle Could Reduce Risk Of Dementia, from Newsy Science

These are practices that will help any person live a healthier life. Doing them regularly decreases the risks most dementias and illnesses, including LBD. As a person ages these become even more important. Even after a disorder is present, these practices will help the body maintain build and maintain resources that decrease symptoms.

• Exercise
• Hydration
• Sleep
• Diet and nutrition

Exercise

(3:40 m) Hugh’s Story – Benefits of Exercise, from Alzheimer's Australia SA

Regular physical activity is more helpful with Lewy body disorders than any drug. It increases the oxygen to the brain, decreases depression, and improves balance and grip strength. It also tends to improve sociability and quality of life, and allows people to maintain a higher level of functioning for a longer time. [8]

Physical exercise comes in many forms. It can be done:

• In a rehab gym, as in the video.
• In a group, as with a water aerobics class or a Big and Loud class.
• At home, using a video as a guide or with the care partner.
• Outside, walking with a partner.
• As part of an activity, as with dancing or golf.

Requirements for best results are that exercise is:

• Challenging, but not painful.
• Enjoyable, so that the person will want to continue to do it.
• Regular, at least a half-hour or more at least three times a week. However, any regular amount helps. Find what works for you and make it a part of the weekly routine.

 Even a person who is wheelchair bound can exercise, although this usually requires help from the care partner. Active exercise, where a person moves their own body is best, but passive exercise helps too.

Hydration

Dementia Information For Caregivers-The Importance of Hydration, from M.I.N.D. (Moving In Nurturing Directions)

The body is over 50% water. It keeps cells, tissues and organs in good condition, transports nutrients, prevents constipation, and regulates temperature. A person needs more fluids if they are on diuretics (or drinking coffee or alcohol), or if they are losing excess amounts of fluid through fever, sweating, vomiting or diarrhea, or dry humidity.

Symptoms from dehydration can mimic dementia with increased confusion and fatigue. Constipation, muscle cramps, headaches and nausea are also common.

A person with dementia may:

• Forget to drink. Tip: Keep a glass water nearby and/or set a regular schedule when fluid is offered.
• Refuse to drink to avoid urination. Tip: If reasoning is still present, explain that adequate water intake actually decreases urinary trips. If not, set up a regular schedule when a favorite fluid is offered in a pleasant way.
• Be afraid to drink, due to swallowing issues. Tip: Thickened fluids are easier to swallow. A speech therapist can teach ways of drinking that are less likely to cause choking.