If the person you are caring for is already taking medication to help slow the progression of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as Namenda^® (memantine HCl)*, then you are already helping them to take care of themselves. But, there may be more you can do. Healthy living may help the person you are caring for feel better and improve their quality of life.

For starters, people with Alzheimer's disease should get enough rest, limit alcohol intake, take medications as prescribed and get regular checkups from the doctor. Additionally, eating a healthy diet and exercising daily can help the body to function well, improving the way a person feels and looks.

Eating Well: A Healthy Diet

Eating right is important for your general health, your body, and your brain because the brain needs the right balance of nutrients in order to function properly. A brain–healthy diet includes the right balance of nutrients (protein, sugar, fats), along with a healthy dose of physical and mental activity. Remember to always consult a physician about which dietary practices are right for the person you are caring for.

The most recent USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) nutritional recommendations are that everyone should try to eat a variety of foods among the different food groups and choose those foods and beverages that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol. While research can't definitively prove that any particular type of diet or nutrition causes or prevents Alzheimer's, there has been a recent study that showed that foods high in antioxidants (such as vitamins E and C) may benefit people at risk for Alzheimer's or those who have been diagnosed. ²⁹

Monitoring blood sugar levels may also be important for people with Alzheimer's disease. In fact, researchers found that among people with diabetes, the brain worked best when blood sugar levels were between 80 mg/dl and 270 mg/dl. The same study found that blood sugar levels outside of that range were associated with deterioration in the thought process (cognitive performance) of study participants.³⁰

Get Moving: The Importance of Regular Exercise

Exercise is important at any stage of life. But exercise is increasingly important as we grow older. There are many benefits to regular exercise. For example, regular exercise can:

• Reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes and obesity
• Make it easier to move around and perform daily tasks by increasing energy and endurance and keeping joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible
• Reduce some of the effects of aging
• Help relieve stress and anxiety
• Help people to sleep better
• Increase metabolism and help maintain a normal weight

Findings from recent studies have shown that exercise is also important for people who have, or are at risk of developing Alzheimer's. Researchers who studied elderly men between the ages of 71 and 93 reported a link between the amount of physical activity and the risk of dementia. In that study, those men who walked the most had the least risk of dementia and those men who walked the least had the highest risk. The benefit of exercise is seen in women, too. In another study of women between the ages of 70 to 81, better thought process performance (cognitive function) was seen in those women who had higher levels of physical activity.³¹

Your First Exercise: Talk with the Doctor

Before the person you are caring for begins an exercise program, talk with the doctor. This is especially important if the person suffering from Alzheimer's has any other medical conditions or if they haven't been active in a while. The doctor can help develop an exercise plan that will benefit the patient best.