If you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, you may find yourself having so many responsibilities that you neglect taking care of yourself. While you are responsible for the care of someone, such as a loved one, the best thing you can do for them is to stay physically and emotionally strong. Here is how:
See the Doctor: Since you will probably be taking your loved one to a doctor multiple times, be sure you visit your doctor regularly as well. Make sure to listen to what your body is telling you. Any exhaustion, stress, sleeplessness or changes in your appetite or behavior should be taken seriously. Ignoring these symptoms can cause your physical and mental health to decline.
Get Moving: Exercise helps to relieve stress and is a very important part of staying healthy. It prevents disease and makes you feel good. Here are some of the many ways you can be active with your loved one with dementia:
- -Take a walk outside together
- -Do seated exercises at home
- -Dance together to your favorite music
- -Garden or do other routine activities that you both enjoy
Eat Well: Heart-healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are good for your overall health and may help protect the brain. A Mediterranean diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats. Try new recipes and involve your loved one you are caring for.
Resource: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-healthy-caregiver.asp
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