I was recently informed by my physician that my wife may be entering the early stages of Dementia. I know there’s no known cure at this time, but is there anything I can do to help her brain function and slow down the progress of the disease?
I’m sorry to hear about your wife’s diagnosis. It’s wonderful that your doctor was able to diagnose her Dementia in the early stages, and that you’re reaching out to others for ideas on helping her through this.
The New York Times recently published an article on this exact topic. Recent studies have shown that a 1-hour walk 3 times a week can greatly improve the cognitive processes in the mind of someone with Dementia. According to research reported in the article, the brain’s vascular functions are greatly decreased in the early stages of Dementia, meaning that the brain’s blood flow is limited or cut off to certain areas. By incorporating cardiovascular exercise into your weekly routine, you can improve the blood flow to certain parts of the brain, making it possible for the brain to function more efficiently, despite the cognitive impairment. While this isn’t a complete cure for the disease, it may help improve your wife’s brain function, slowing the disease’s progress. Plus, going on long walks together is a great way to bond and enjoy the outdoors! For more information, read the full New York Times article here.