How Seniors in Alameda can Maintain a Healthy Brain

Healthy habits like going outside, getting regular exercise and staying mentally engaged all boost brain health. Along with getting help managing certain chronic conditions, especially high blood pressure and diabetes, it’s possible to avoid or delay cognitive decline.

Here’s a little more good news: There’s no shortage of activities and resources to help seniors in Alameda build healthy habits and boost their brain health. With healthy ways to have fun, scenic outdoor spaces to explore and supportive communities to lean on, there are plenty of ways to help prevent or mitigate dementia symptoms right here.

How to Maintain a Healthy Brain in Alameda, CA

No matter their age, your loved one will find plenty of ways to stay active around Alameda. Our area is full of easy ways to eat healthy, delicious non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy and plenty of support from the local community. 

Here are a few of the best ways your loved one can improve their brain health right here in Alameda:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Though there hasn’t been enough research yet to say how any specific food impacts dementia, we know that maintaining a healthy blood pressure and weight overall is associated with lower risk of dementia.

Want to help your loved one improve their diet? The Alameda Marketplace is your one-stop shop for healthy eating for seniors in Alameda. This lively market hosts 10 local, independently-owned vendors selling high-quality produce, meat, seafood and baked goods. It even features several sit-down eateries serving delicious foods made from only the freshest ingredients. And thanks to its central location, the Marketplace is easy to reach by bus or BART from most places in Alameda and Oakland.

2. Find Healthy Alternatives

When you’re trying to reduce the risk of dementia, changing unhealthy habits is just as important as building healthy ones. It’s especially important to adjust habits like smoking and drinking that worsen conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure, which are associated with cognitive decline.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for seniors in Alameda to avoid alcohol without feeling like they’re missing out. More and more restaurants these days are offering “mocktails”—beverages with all the delicious complexity of a cocktail, but none of the alcohol. Many of them are even made with zero-alcohol spirits that take the place of traditional liquors.

One of our favorites is Alley and Vine, a high-end American bistro right in the heart of Alameda. Try their Mock-Arita, a dry faux margarita made with prickly pear, lime, agave syrup and Seedlip Notas de Agave alcohol-free spirit. Or, for a little laid back fun, head over to Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge. This relaxed, funky watering hole has virgin versions of tiki classics like the Planet of the Apes.

3. Find Expert Support

Dementia is challenging to face, but it’s a lot easier when you have a team to support you. That’s why there’s a wide range of resources available for seniors in Alameda to support both those with dementia and their families, such as the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Nevada.

It operates a wide variety of regular support groups from San Jose to Fresno, both in person and online, for family caregivers and seniors alike. Every one of them is run by a trained facilitator, and they are all free. With the support that the Alzheimer’s Association offers, you’ll always have a supportive community to lean on when you need it.

Find a Brain Health Partner in Alameda

There are plenty of ways in Alameda for seniors to stay active and engaged, boost their brain health and mitigate the symptoms of dementia—and with support from a professional, you can help your loved one make the most of them.

If you need help managing the risk factors of dementia, FirstLight Home Care of Alameda is here for you. Through personal care, our compassionate, capable caregivers can help seniors  stay active and engaged by taking them to activities, helping them with mobility and assisting with tasks like dressing and cooking. We’re also proud to offer specialized dementia care that takes your loved one’s needs and preferences into account, and creates a routine that will help them stay calm and comfortable.

It’s not easy to navigate dementia, but you don’t need to do it on your own. Whether you’d like to learn about your care options or you just want to hear about more resources in the area, please reach out to us.