Protecting Your Brain: Lifestyle Changes That May Prevent Dementia
Discover 12 proven strategies to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, from exercise and sleep to social connection and mental health.
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You work hard as a caregiver, but let’s face it; we all need a break from time to time. It can be tough to recharge your batteries when you are looking after your parent, especially on those days when you are exhausted from life’s other mental and physical drains.
Releasing tension, stress and anxiety is important for everyone. You need to be fully present and at ease when you are focusing attention on those who need you most. Feeling overwhelmed and tired isn’t just difficult for you; it’s also not the best situation for your loved one’s well-being. You may think that you shouldn’t enjoy free time if you’re loved one needs care, or you may worry that something bad might happen if you take time for yourself. Constantly filling your mind with “what if?” situations isn’t going to help either of you.
Exercising is perhaps the healthiest way to deal with unwanted stress. Taking a walk or hike in a local park allows you to unplug, enjoy nature and work up a sweat. Serotonin, your body’s all-natural “feel good” hormone, is released when you exercise, which can definitely help you feel more positive. You can either take in the relaxing sounds of nature or plug in your ear buds and listen to your favorite song as you wander along the path.
If you have always wanted to check out that new restaurant everyone is raving about, go for it. Sometimes it is important to treat yourself to those little things that brighten up your day. Next time you feel like the stress of caregiving is too much, head to your favorite bakery, eatery or ice cream shop and enjoy your favorite food, even if it is just for a few minutes. If you are watching what you eat or don’t have the time or expenses for fine dining, drink a warm cup of herbal tea or coffee and clear your head for a few minutes.
Sometimes we all need a little escape when we feel overwhelmed, and catching up on a good story is a great way to do so. Whether you are buried deep in a novel, spending some time with your tablet or watching an old movie, escaping from the pressures of caregiving for a few hours could be just the thing you need to relax.
You love taking care of others, but it’s good to pamper yourself once in a while. You can make a day of it with a facial or massage or relax with a pedicure and manicure. If you can’t spring for a spa day, bring the rejuvenation home by spending an hour in a warm and luxurious bubble bath, then get cozy in your favorite pajamas.
There are many natural ways to calm your nerves if you feel overwhelmed. Many health experts agree that light yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and allow you to focus on the present. This can keep you focused, calm and centered on the moment rather than worrying about things you can’t control.
Don’t let your role as a caregiver be overrun with stress and exhaustion. Although caring for your parent is important, you need to take personal time to better your well-being and give your parent the support he or she needs.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a short break. Contact the Aegis Living community near you and ask about short term stays.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.