​ 5 Needs for a Healthy Mind: Nature, Nutrition, Movement, Hydration, & Socialization
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5 Needs for a Healthy Mind: Nature, Nutrition, Movement, Hydration, & Socialization

5 Needs for a Healthy Mind: Nature, Nutrition, Movement, Hydration, & Socialization

Individuals living with dementia have loss of cognitive functioning, which affects thinking, remembering, reasoning, and their overall daily lives. This can lead to the person feeling frustrated and confused, experiencing memory loss, having difficulty with language, and may change their behavior and personality. 

While there is no cure for dementia, there are ways that you and a support team can help your loved one by promoting a healthy mind. There are five main needs for a healthy mind: nature, nutrition, movement, hydration, and socialization. By addressing each of these areas, you can help engage the dementia patient to live a better quality life. 

Let’s take a look at the ways Joyful Companions, a non-medical memory care service provider, encourages our caregivers to interact and support our clients living with dementia, and we want to share this information with you to better support your family or friend with dementia. 

1. Spend Time in Nature

Engaging with nature can significantly enhance the well-being of those with dementia. Exposure to natural environments, even in small doses, has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anxiety. 

Activities like listening to birdsong, feeling the texture of leaves, or enjoying the scent of flowers can stimulate the senses and evoke positive memories. 

Some ideas for spending time in nature include: 

  • Gardening

  • Water plants

  • Planting seeds

  • Weeding or pruning

  • Watching and feeding birds

  • Taking walks in nature

2.  Encourage Proper Nutrition

Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining cognitive function and overall health in individuals with dementia. A balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help manage behavior symptoms and prevent weight loss. 

Also, try to cut back on refined sugars, often found in processed foods, because those foods typically lack vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

Caregivers should create a comfortable mealtime environment, offer nutrient-dense foods, and always consult healthcare providers for personality dietary advice. During mealtimes, limit distractions and keep the table setting simple. 

Avoid too many patterned placemats or tablecloths, and provide only the utensils needed for the meal. Always check the food temperature before serving, and try to offer one or two foods at a time to avoid decision-making struggles.

3. Get Active 

Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits for people with dementia, including improved cardiovascular health, strength, balance, and mood. 

Engaging in exercises like walking, dancing, or gentle stretching can enhance cognitive function and reduce the risk of falls. It’s important to consult with healthcare professionals to tailor exercise programs to individual abilities and needs. 

Activities for an individual with dementia should involve: 

  • Promotion of self esteem

  • Compensation for lost abilities

  • Helping to maintain skills and not involve new learning

  • Providing an opportunity for fun, pleasure, and social interaction

4. Stay Hydrated

Maintaining hydration is crucial, as dehydration can worsen cognitive decline and lead to other health issues. Individuals with dementia may forget to drink water or have difficulty recognizing thirst. 

Caregivers can encourage fluid intake by offering water-rich foods, setting regular drinking schedules, and providing appealing beverages. 

Some water-rich foods include:

  • Cucumber

  • Watermelon

  • Tomatoes

  • Oranges

  • Lettuce

  • Strawberries

  • Cantaloupe

  • Celery

  • Zucchini

  • Grapefruit, etc

5. Spend Time With Friends

Social interaction plays a key role in preserving cognitive abilities and emotional well-being. As dementia progresses, the individual may struggle with symptoms like memory loss and communication difficulties, which can lead to isolation and withdrawal from social activities. Social isolation can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. 

To combat this, it is important for individuals with dementia to engage in regular social time. 

Engaging in conversations, group activities, or hobbies can provide a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of loneliness, and stimulate mental functions. Even simple interactions can have a profound impact on quality of life. 

A few benefits of social interaction for individuals with dementia include: 

  • Stronger sense of self-worth

  • Reduced feelings of loneliness

  • Increased awareness and focus

  • Support for brain health

  • A greater sense of happiness

Support Your Loved One With Help From Joyful Companions

We know you want to support your friend or loved one who is living with dementia as much as possible, but we also know you need time to support yourself. Caregiver burnout is a real thing, and to help you avoid this situation, reach out to Joyful Companions. 

We offer attentive and trustworthy companion care services for individuals diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Our trained companions will help support your loved one through the five areas needed for a healthy mind while giving you time to support your healthy mind. 

We also offer respite care and regular check-ins for times when you need additional support. 

For more information about how Joyful Companions can become a part of your loved one’s support team, call us at 763-544-0401 or request a free consultation online.