If you have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia it is so important that you look after yourself by eating the right foods, keeping active and keeping in touch with friends and family. Here are just a few tips to start you off:
Try to make sure you have your 5 a day, almost all fruit and vegetables count towards your 5 a day – they form part of a healthy, balanced diet. The 5 a day, together with whole grains, fish and unsaturated fat such as olive oil will ensure healthy eating. Dairy products and meat should be limited as they are high in saturated fat, which could cause narrowing of the arteries. Try to cut down on your salt intake, 75% of the salt we eat is already in the food we buy. Look for low salt versions of pre-prepared food; drink plenty of water each day.
Keeping Active
It is important to keep active, try to stay involved with everyday activities e.g. housework, gardening and washing. Continue with sport that you are involved with at present e.g. the gym, running, swimming – get a good friend to go with you if you are apprehensive. The exercise you do doesn’t have to be strenuous, walking and dancing are brilliant ways to keep active and enjoy yourself. Go to quizzes, join an art group, it is so relaxing. Take up a craft, read, listen to music, go to the cinema – these are all activities that will keep you stimulated.
Keep in Touch
Make sure you still visit your friends and family – let them come to you too. Talk about things you want to do, places you want to go and encourage their help and support.
Events
GL11 Community Project held their first lunch on Thursday 2 February, it was well attended and everyone had a good time. The food was brilliant and the event provided an opportunity for people to get out, meet old friends and make new ones. In fact it proved to be so successful that GL11 have decided to make it a regular event.
The lunches will be held on the first Thursday of each month from 12pm-2pm at GL11 Community Project, Fairmead, Cam. The cost of the meal is: Lunch £3.75 and Dessert £1.25. Booking is essential, contact: 01453 548530.
Make sure you book in plenty of time so you don’t miss out.
