Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, is an extremely complex condition. This often poses unique challenges and affects memory, cognition, and more. However, certain lifestyle choices may significantly change the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s—like regularly using the sauna.
While saunas cannot prevent Alzheimer’s entirely, they may offer indirect support. They lower a person’s stress levels, which is closely linked with Alzheimer’s disease. It also provides plenty of other significant health benefits. By regularly using the sauna, older adults can lower the risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s while enjoying a relaxing afternoon!
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder. This is the most common type of dementia and accounts for nearly 70% of all diagnosed cases of dementia.
This condition gradually damages brain cells, leading to cognitive changes, memory problems, and more. As it worsens, it changes the brain structure itself, leading to a host of complex changes. There are several stages of Alzheimer’s disease, each with tell-tale symptoms.
Eventually, a person living with Alzheimer’s disease will require advanced care, like that offered in memory care, to maintain their quality of life.
The Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia don’t just cause memory problems. This condition is also known to cause:
- Poor problem-solving and planning
- Difficulty completing familiar everyday tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding spatial relationships
- Communication difficulties
- Changes in mood and personality
While a person living with Alzheimer’s disease may be able to remain at home in the earlier stages, the condition will likely worsen.
In the later stages, these symptoms become more and more noticeable and affect your loved one’s everyday life. Eventually, professional support is required to maintain your loved one’s dignity and quality of life. Fortunately, memory care can help.
What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is complex, and not yet fully understood. However, it develops alongside a buildup of certain proteins in the brain. These damage brain cells, offsetting the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. As more cells are damaged, symptoms worsen.
There are several other factors known to contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. These include:
- Age, as being over the age of 65 significantly increases the risk.
- Family history and specific genetic markers
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Obesity and lack of physical activity.
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
However, there is one key factor often overlooked—regular stress levels.
The Link Between Stress & Alzheimer’s
There is a strong link between heightened stress levels and Alzheimer’s disease. When you’re stressed, your body overproduces cortisol—a certain hormone known to damage brain cells.
Meanwhile, stress also causes inflammation and oxidative stress. Both of these can play a significant role in the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
But it isn’t just about cognitive health—heightened stress can cause plenty of health problems, like heart damage and a weakened immune system. This is just one reason why it’s so important to manage your stress levels where possible. It can help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and it carries a wide range of other benefits.
So how can you manage your stress? It can be as simple as using a sauna.
The Benefits of Sauna for Seniors
Spending time in the sauna is a therapeutic way to spend an afternoon. It offers plenty of benefits—especially for older adults looking to unwind.
First, saunas promote a relaxing, peaceful, and stress-free environment. This is key to reducing stress levels and helping keep mood levels elevated. Your loved one can relax, enjoy being in the moment, and socialize with others if they so choose.
Meanwhile, regularly using the sauna also helps:
- Boose heart health by increasing circulation and lowering blood pressure
- Remove toxins from the body
- Reduce joint and muscle pain
- Boost the immune system
- Improve sleep quality
- Combat loneliness and promote mental well-being
It’s a simple activity, but the effects can be incredible. However, it’s important to note that while regularly using a sauna does offer significant benefits for seniors, Alzheimer’s is an extremely complex neurological condition. Sauna usage cannot entirely prevent this condition—it simply reduces the risk.
How to Help a Loved One With Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is complex. However, by making certain lifestyle changes like regularly using the sauna, your loved one can significantly lower the risk of developing this condition and other types of dementia.
Here at Inspired Living at Ivy Ridge, we believe in supporting each and every resident in their journey to better health. That’s why we’re happy to offer a wide range of services and experiences designed to make every day easier. To learn more about how we can help, contact our team today and schedule a tour! We’re looking forward to your visit.
