Staying Mentally Sharp
Wisdom comes with age. Unfortunately, aging can also come with
some forgetfulness. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep the brain
sharp, small daily habits which can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Exercise is one such daily habit. It increases blood flow,
and thus oxygen to the brain; it also protects brain cells against destructive
chemicals in the environment. Exercise also supports the production of new
brain cells. Furthermore, research in the 2000s showed a relationship between
cardiovascular risk factors and Alzheimer’s. Anything which can impair blood
flow can cause strokes leading to cognitive decline, otherwise known as
vascular dementia. The same activities that one would consider as beneficial to
the heart, such as regular exercise, can therefore also be effective in
protecting the brain. And, of course, there are other benefits to exercising
regularly: it helps with energy levels, decreases anxiety and depression, and
can help with sleep.
Sleep is another factor to maintaining a healthy mind. But
as many as half of adults 60 and older are affected by insomnia, which can
result in memory loss, depression, and other symptoms. It’s important, then, to
pay attention to sleep hygiene and sleep schedules to ensure sufficient
duration and quality. If it takes more than 45 minutes to fall asleep, or you
have trouble staying asleep, it may be worth looking into treatment.
Eating well is another way to protect the mind. It’s
important to ensure you’re getting enough vitamins A, B, C, D, E, folic acid
and niacin. The USDA and the HHS describe two eating plans: the USDA food
patterns or the DASH Eating Plan. Foods like nuts, fish, and wine have also
been linked to a healthy brain.
Art, music, reading, writing, learning, and puzzles… these
are also good for keeping the brain sharp. Art has been used as an Alzheimer’s
treatment and to restore memory; and arts maintain and improve dexterity and
fine motor skills! Adult coloring books have become popular in recent years,
and can be found in many stores and online; watercolors and pastels are also
relaxing. Meanwhile, music has been
linked to improved memory and cognition, and can both elevate your mood and
lower blood pressure. Learning and intellectual challenges like puzzles
exercise the brain and improve its capacity. Mental exercise is thought to
maintain and stimulate brain cells. This includes pursuit of hobby, learning
new skills, using brain training apps, or taking on other new kinds of projects
at work.
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Visit our website at www.ElderLawOmaha.com.
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