Dealing with Alzheimer’s is a difficult task that can take a toll on the patient and all the people involved. It’s stressful to battle a disease that can’t be cured, but only controlled and eased with hard work. However, there are mindfulness exercises that can help people slow down the symptoms, relieve some stress and deal with their reality. Here’s how mindfulness and meditation can help in the battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
They Prevent Brain Atrophy
Since meditation can help retrain and remodel the brain and create good habits and responses, it’s a great tool that prevents brain atrophy. Mindfulness exercises have both short and long term effects on the brain and certain cognitive aspects, especially when practiced daily. Brain exercises like meditation and mindfulness can be just as effective as Sudoku, crosswords, chess and other brain games for memory improvement. They can improve mental fitness levels and do wonders for your mental health. It’s great to start practicing it as early as possible to preserve your gray matter and reduce the risk of dementia.
They Improve Memory
Patients who suffer from some level of cognitive impairment and memory loss but still don’t have Alzheimer’s can greatly benefit from meditation and mindfulness exercises. Adults with mild symptoms who meditate suffer less brain atrophy in the hippocampus, which is associated with memory, and especially the long-term memory. People who meditate, compared to those who don’t, also have greater neural connectivity in the brain area responsible for daydreaming, thinking about past events and contemplating the future.
They Prevent Depression
Exercises that require mindfulness like meditation and yoga help Alzheimer’s patients feel less lonely and isolated, which are the main two causes of depression. These negative emotions also put you in a group with a higher risk of developing memory-related issues. All in all, meditation makes the person feel calm, content and happier in their own skin.
They Reduce Anxiety & Stress
Levels of anxiety and stress skyrocket once the symptoms of Alzheimer’s start getting stronger and forcing the individual to change their life. Many negative feelings start pushing through during this stressful period. Failing to recognize your loved ones, failing to remember important things and certain milestones, and losing the ability to take care of one’s self can really destroy the patient’s confidence and boost anxiety.
However, there are several steps one can take to reduce that stress and have a happier, healthier and safer life. For instance, finding a good support worker with Mable to help you with domestic duties, therapy and even hygiene can increase confidence and reduce anxiety. And, if you combine a good support system with regular meditation, you’ll create a powerful tool for reducing stress, anxiety and depression! A good caretaker can also help guide you through your mindful meditation.
They Stabilize The Mood
Experiencing memory loss brings a lot of emotional distress, mental struggle and confusion. These mood swings have a negative effect on the severity of dementia and impact the overall health. However, regular meditation can assist in controlling these negative emotions and help your well-being. If practiced regularly, these mind workouts can significantly improve your mood.
They Help Clear The Mind
Alzheimer’s patients tend to have a lot going on in their mind. They have trouble recognizing things that were once important and familiar, and in later stages of the disease, they can even become completely silent and feel lost. Only a few minutes of meditation can help create a huge difference when dealing with the disease. Feeling hopeful and at ease can affect the prognosis and have positive effects on one’s wellbeing.
They Bring Solace
Meditation can also help people who have just been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and bring them some comfort. The news of the diagnosis can be quite shocking, which can add to the development of the disease. Mindfulness and meditation can help people find peace and happiness, especially those who are struggling with accepting their condition and the reality of memory loss.
Incorporating meditation and mindfulness into your daily routine can have tremendous effects on your mind and soul, especially if you suffer from dementia. So, if you want to offset the symptoms of memory loss, take up regular meditation as a simple, cheap and safe solution to boost your brain’s condition. Even if you’re not in danger of developing Alzheimer’s, daily meditation and yoga will ensure your mind is strong, your emotions are in check and your health is excellent!
Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in topics related to health and alternative medicine. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.