The old adage is true: elephants really do have impressive memories, even into their later years. For instance, they can recall and return to extremely specific locations many years after visiting them, regardless of age. Exactly what can we discover from elephants that may translate into enhancing our own brain performance later in life, and possibly even impact our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease?
Remarkably, older elephants’ brains show no accumulation of the amyloid plaques many researchers are linking to Alzheimer’s. And while other specialists tout the necessity for adequate sleep to enable the mind the opportunity to clean away plaques, elephants are stamping over that theory, sleeping less than a couple of hours every day.
But a single variable rises above the rest that just might be the main key: socialization. Research increasingly indicates the link between isolation and cognitive decline, and also the benefit of maintaining reliable personal relationships. Elephants remain socially engaged in close family herds for life, while our human busyness often hinders the kind of meaningful, sustained connections we so desperately need.
Spending quality time with your senior loved ones is easier with some assistance from the Hinsdale senior care experts at Independence-4-Seniors Home Care. We’re on hand to assist with household chores, shopping, cooking, personal care needs, and more, freeing up important time for older adults and their loved ones.
We’re also skilled in supporting aging parents to become active and engaged in the world around them, and can provide transportation and accompaniment to senior centers, exercise programs, and enjoyable excursions, as well as enhancing socialization right in their own home with conversations, games, and pleasant activities.
And as we anticipate a cure or at the very least an effective treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease, understand that the care team at Independence-4-Seniors Home Care is fully experienced and skilled in specialized dementia care. Because of this, those impacted by the disease are able to live life to their greatest possible potential, and family caregivers are given the support they need in dealing with some of the more challenging components of the disease, such as sundowning, aggression, wandering, and more.
Contact us at (630) 323-4665 to take the initial first step in enhancing quality of life for your senior loved one! We’re available for as much or as little care as needed, from just a couple hours enabling family members to take an all-important break from care, up to full-time, around-the-clock care, and anything in between.