3 Tips for Preserving Your Brain Health…
Changes to our brain are normal as we age. However, finding ways to stimulate our
brain and stay active on a regular basis can help us keep a better positive attitude,
make better decisions; deal with stress and anxiety better, slow down cognitive decline,
and decrease the risk of developing diseases.
Stimulate the brain through activities
Reading, music, manual activities… There is considerable evidence to suggest that
brain work can simulate, stimulate or improve the brain's ability to compensate for
cognitive decline. Researchers suggest reading or listening to the news, playing
strategy games, or spending time in nature.
Avoiding Social Isolation
Not interacting enough with other people leads to impaired cognitive performance.
Alzheimer progresses more quickly in patients suffering from loneliness. So don't
hesitate to go out, see friends, family, organize meals at home... Any excuse is good to
escape loneliness!
Managing the risks neurovascular
According to studies on the subject, good brain
health depends on heart health.
Specifically, scientists advise people with high blood pressure to make lifestyle changes
to reduce it over the long term. A 2018 study already suggested that people aged 50
with a blood pressure of 130 mmHg or more had a 45% increased risk of developing
dementia compared to those with lower blood pressure.
3 habits to avoid cognitive decline…
Have quality sleep
Several studies show a link between cognitive disorders and sleep (poor quality, night
too short, sleep apnea, etc.). The body uses sleep as a ‘basic repairer’, so it needs it to
stay healthy. Good sleep, at least seven to eight hours a day, will therefore help you
prevent Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Eating a Healthy, Balanced
A healthy diet* can not only help build cognitive resilience, but also prevent dementia
risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Certain specific diets such as
the Mediterranean diet seem to be effective in th
at matter. In general, keeping a healthy
weight is also essential to combat the decline in cognitive functions. Having high levels
of body fat is a risk factor, reduced speed of thought processing and problems of
memory. People with more body fat have a higher likelihood of suffering brain injury and
perform worse while tested on concentration, coordination, ability to learn and process
information.
A diet rich in flavonoids
Adding berries, red cabbage, onion, kale, tea, red wine and dark chocolate in your diet
would also lower the risk of cognitive decline. According to a study published in the
American Academy of Neurology Journal, the antioxidant properties of flavonoids act
directly on brain capacities and help reduce the risk of declining brain function.
According to the study, consuming it can indeed reduce the age of your brain by 3 to 4
years!
Have a regular physical activity
Maintaining your cognitive performance also involves sports practice! Numerous studies
show that increased physical activity can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. More
specifically, it is advisable to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a
week. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go and put on those sneakers! - BE WELL!
*Always consult with your Doctor about the right exercise and diet for your needs and any medical
concerns!
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