Football is America’s favorite pastime; many of us like to sit down on a Sunday afternoon or a Monday night with a bowl of salty snacks and a nice cold beer to watch the game, but while you’re watching, do you ever wonder what happens to those players following an injury? I don’t mean today, or even tomorrow, but down the road when they’re ready to retire, and they just can’t seem to remember the names of their grandchildren because they’ve developed dementia. I bet you haven’t, because few of us actually consider what today’s actions mean for the future. A recent study, however, demonstrates that we should.

In a study, former football players aged 50+ were surveyed to determine if they were at higher risk for Alzheimer’s or dementia, and the results were rather shocking. 6.2% of these once NFL stars claimed to have received such a diagnosis, which is a big increase from the national average of 1.2%. While experts claim that further investigation into these results, and what they mean specifically is needed, it looks like that while we’re watching Monday night football, we should take the time to hope that the players have great insurance that will carry them into their retirement when they’re at a higher risk for a condition that could require additional medical attention and senior care services.

What I’m saying might sound a little extreme – don’t stop watching the games, and don’t stop rooting for your favorite teams, just remember how every action today can change the future tomorrows.

Via: Via: NYTimes

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.

Q – My father was recently diagnosed with dementia. While we all saw it coming in a way, it has come as a shock, especially for him. What can we do to help keep him in positive spirits and cope with the emotional aspects that come with such a diagnosis?

A – While you may have suspected a diagnosis like dementia in your father’s future, actually hearing the words and having your fears reinforced can be shocking for everyone.

At this stage, your father may feel as though his mind and body are letting him down, and he may fear an inevitable loss of independence. In the early stages, your father should seek support from Walnut Creek community groups for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, and learn as much about his condition as possible. Planning early on for the future can also help ensure that his wishes with regards to care and medical treatment are met, if he reaches the point where he is able to voice what he wants. Encourage your father to create a living will, appoint a future Power of Attorney, and generally get his affairs in order. By researching care options in Walnut Creek, he can choose the best fit for him if it’s needed in the future. Encourage him to maintain his lifestyle, but refrain from activities that are too stressful or demanding.

Sources:
1. Alzheimer’s Society UK
2. DementiaGuide

Home Care Walnut Creek, CA delivering home care and elderly services to seniors in the Contra Costa area including Concord. Call us 925-280-9688.