Palm Springs

“Lighten up?” That’s probably the last thing you want to hear as a senior suffering from dementia, or as a caregiver responsible for caring for a Palm Desert senior with Alzheimer’s. But don’t take offense, because I mean it quite literally! A recent study has shown that by increasing the amount of light in a senior’s home, common symptoms of dementia such as poor sleeping habits, feelings of depression and poor mood can all be improved a little bit at a time. So, like I said; lighten up! Open the blinds during the day to let the natural light in, purchase some brighter light bulbs, and place some more light sources around the main rooms in the home where a senior spends their time.

Increasing the amount of light in a Palm Springs senior’s home can help them to establish a better circadian rhythm, which can increase their alertness and times of wakefulness during the daytime hours, so that at night, they might be able to get a better night’s sleep. Along with better sleeping patterns can come improved mood, and reduced cases of depression, even for those seniors who are struggling psychologically while trying to cope with the knowledge of their cognitive decline.

So what are you waiting for Palm Springs? It’s time to lighten up!

Sources:

1. New York Times

2. Web MD

3. The Journal of American Medical Association

Image Source: scientificamerican.com

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