Can’t find your car keys? Forget what’s on your grocery list? Everyone forgets things occasionally. Like other parts of your body, your brain may lose some agility as you get older and will deteriorate even more if you don’t take care of it.
When people think about staying fit, they generally think from the neck down. But a healthy brain plays a critical role in everything you do; thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing – and even sleeping. The good news is that emerging evidence suggests there are steps you can take to age proof your brain and that these may also reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
Make brain-healthy life choices and keep your memory sharp.
It’s never too early to start boosting your brain reserves, whatever your age. While some factors such as genes are out of your control, many powerful lifestyle factors are within your sphere of influence and can all contribute to age-proofing your brain:
Exercise regularly. Sign up for dance lessons. Exercise boosts the brain’s rate of neurogenesis – the generation of new brain cells – throughout your life. To really sharpen your grey matter pick a workout that stimulates you both mentally and physically. One great example is dance: moving the body in a coordinated fashion and following along with complex movements in sync with music require lots of brainpower. Dancing also works your heart, so you’re pumping more blood upstairs!
Eat healthily. Follow a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, nuts, whole grains and an abundance of fresh produce. Treat yourself to a glass of red wine. Red wine contains a compound called resveratrol, which recent research shows may help prevent the build-up of plaque. Brain plaques are often seen in Alzheimer’s patients - they cause the breakdown in communication between neurons.
Play mind games. Keep those neurons firing by doing crossword puzzles, reading a section of the newspaper that you normally don’t, or learning a new language. Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new cells.
Manage stress levels. Breathe… it’s powerful, simple and free! Schedule relaxation activities, walk the dog or meditate. This will immunise you against the damaging effects of stress and go a long way to helping your age proof your brain.
Have an active social life. This will help to ward off depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss. When you’re invited to share a meal or to attend an event, go!
Get quality sleep. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual. Be smart about napping, stick to half an hour per day. Reserve your bed for sex and sleep.
Get organised. You’re more likely to forget things if your home is in disarray. Keep a to-do list and set aside certain places for wallet, keys and other essentials.
By leading a brain healthy lifestyle, you CAN reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia and keep your brain stronger for longer.
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Source: www.alz.org, www.health.harvard.edu, www.mayoclinic.org, www.oprah.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
