April 27, 2015

With more than 47.5 million individuals affected by dementia worldwide and 7.7 million new cases annually, research is targeting ways to prevent or limit the impacts of the disease. Researchers in Finland believe they have identified four ways to stave off the mental decline that is becoming more common with older age. 

The study involved 1,260 people between the ages of 60 and 77. The participants were put into a gym program, an eating regimen based on a Nordic diet heavy in fish, and brain training over the course of two years. Researchers found that at the end of two years, those participating in these activities scored 25 percent higher than their peers. In certain tests, the difference between the two testing groups was even more pronounced: for tests involving the brain’s ability to regulate thought processes and organize, the group of individual participating in the plan developed by researchers scored 85 percent higher.

Activities that were a good match for the older individuals participating in the study included dancing, doing crosswords, computer games, and Sudoku. If you are concerned about your elderly family member’s health or if your family has already been impacted by the serious nature of dementia, meeting with an elder law attorney can help you understand your options. Set up a meeting today to learn more about planning for long term care and managing the health needs of a loved one with dementia through Medicaid planning. Email us today at info@lawesq.net.