June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, which means that it’s time to talk a little bit about a topic that many people would probably rather ignore. At least 44 million people worldwide—and over 5 million in the United States alone—live with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. That means that someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s every 67 seconds.

Alzheimer’s and other dementias impact more than just the quality of life for those who live with them. Memory loss and dementia affect the lives of family, friends, and loved ones, and Alzheimer’s is actually the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming approximately 500,000 lives each year.

Fortunately, treatments can help make living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias easier, safer, and more rewarding. A recent study presented at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies suggests that light treatment can have a significant effect on the quality of life of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss. The study found that light treatment tailored to increase circadian stimulation during the day increased sleep quality, efficiency, and total duration. The same study also found that individuals exposed to light treatment showed significantly reduced scores for both depression and agitation, as well as correlations with increased calm, contentment, eating better, and a general improvement in quality of life.

This isn’t the first time that light has been linked with the care of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Experts have been studying the benefits of sunlight on memory care, and the benefits of staying active—both mentally and physically—to those living with memory loss, Alzheimer’s, or other dementias has been well established. At SeniorCare Homes, it’s built right into our whole approach. We offer premier Alzheimer’s care in Overland Park and Leawood, and our unique setting allows our residents to get outside at any time and enjoy the benefits of sunshine and being outdoors. Whether you’re eating lunch outside, taking a walk, or gardening, the sunshine and fresh air may do you even more good than you realized!

While the benefits of light treatment on memory care are still being studied, the overall effect of sunshine and exercise on health and general happiness speaks for itself. People who maintain an active lifestyle enjoy increased independence, better mood and mental well-being, stronger bones and muscles, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, among other benefits.

At SeniorCare Homes, we understand that fresh air, sunshine, and staying active can be just as important as skilled nursing care. That’s why we combine a unique setting that caters to your individual needs while promoting a close-knit community, with world class memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s care in Leawood and Overland Park. Our SeniorCare Homes are situated in residential neighborhoods so that you can feel right at home, while still offering you the very best in memory care and general health care. It’s all the best parts about being at home, combined with the best care available.

SeniorCare Homes in Overland Park and Leawood, Kansas offer the most comfortable and stable assisted living environment to seniors with dementia, memory loss, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Phone (913) 236-0036 to learn more about neighborhood living for the memory impaired.