Even though migraines tend to occur more often in younger adults, these severe headaches can also affect people in their senior years, and many aging adults live with frequent or chronic migraines. To help your aging loved one prevent migraines from occurring, encourage him or her to avoid the following six triggers.
1. Hypertension
High blood pressure isn’t just something to worry about in seniors who have survived strokes. It can also cause migraines due to the extra stress exerted on the vessels in the upper body. People with a severe form of hypertension can experience painful episodes of headaches. In such cases, a lot of pressure can accumulate in the cranium and compress various parts of the brain and the sinuses.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Edmonton seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
2. Odours
Strong odours can cause light-headedness, fainting, and headaches. Many aging adults find excessively strong smells can lead to migraines. Perfumes are especially likely to trigger migraines, but the scents that smoke, harsh cleaning products, and burning incense produce can cause them as well. Most people react adversely when they inhale fumes from synthetic chemicals such as varnish, lacquer, and other paint products. Most volatile chemicals sold in hardware stores can trigger unpleasant symptoms associated with migraines, including dizziness and nausea.
3. Noise
It’s no secret that prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to migraines in people of all ages. Sound rated at more than 120 decibels can cause permanent damage to the eardrum and ultimately lead to pain in other parts of the head. In general, it’s a good idea for seniors to wear protective earplugs whenever they’re exposed to sounds at higher than 100 decibels.
4. Medication
There are plenty of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that can cause headaches and migraines. For example, benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam and lorazepam, are known to cause various side effects, including headaches. Such medication is typically used to treat anxiety and depression. Painkillers, including codeine and hydrocodone, are also notorious for causing headaches.
5. Processed Foods
Because they’re loaded with so many artificial ingredients, processed foods can trigger a series of undesirable reactions in the human body. Aspartame, a common sweetener, can cause moderate to severe migraines when consumed in large quantities. Even caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and energy drinks, are known to trigger headaches.
A home caregiver can help your loved one prepare nutritious meals designed to meet specific dietary needs. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
6. Lack of Sleep
Elderly people with insomnia are more likely to be stressed and agitated, and sleeplessness can lead to migraines because certain parts of the brain are overactive. People who experience insomnia often complain of a sensation commonly called “heavy head.” These individuals might have various thoughts racing through their heads throughout the night. When the brain doesn’t rest and enter its natural circadian cycle, migraines and other symptoms can occur.
Professional caregivers can help older adults avoid migraines and other chronic ailments. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care Edmonton families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licenced, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. To talk to one of our friendly Care Managers and create a customized senior care plan, call us at (780) 490-7337.