Every brain change -with age, and mental function changes along with it.
Mental decline is common, and it's one of the most feared consequences of
aging. But cognitive impairment is not inevitable. Here are 12 ways you can
help maintain brain function.
1. Get mental stimulation
Through research with mice and humans, scientists have found that brainy
activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help
the brain generate new cells, developing neurological "plasticity" and
building up a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell
loss. Any mentally stimulating activity should help to build up your brain.
Read, take courses, try "mental gymnastics," such as word puzzles or math
problems. Experiment with things that require manual dexterity as well as
mental effort, such as drawing, painting, and other crafts.
2. Get physical exercise Research shows that using your
muscles also helps your mind. Animals who exercise regularly increase the
number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the region of
the brain that is responsible for thought. Exercise also spurs the
development of new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain
cells (synapses). This results in brains that are more efficient, plastic,
and adaptive, which translates into better performance in aging animals.
Exercise also lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, helps
blood sugar balance and reduces mental stress, all of which can help your
brain as well as your heart.
3. Improve your diet Good nutrition can help your mind as well
as your body. For example, people that eat a Mediterranean style diet that
emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils (olive oil) and
plant sources of proteins are less likely to develop cognitive impairment
and dementia.
4. Improve your blood pressure High blood pressure in midlife
increases the risk of cognitive decline in old age. Use lifestyle
modification to keep your pressure as low as possible. Stay lean, exercise
regularly, limit your alcohol to two drinks a day, reduce stress, and eat
right.
5. Improve your blood sugar Diabetes is an important risk factor for
dementia. You can help prevent diabetes by eating right, exercising
regularly, and staying lean. But if your blood sugar stays high, you'll
need medication to achieve good control.
6. Improve your cholesterol High levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol are
associated with an increased the risk of dementia. Diet, exercise, weight
control, and avoiding tobacco will go a long way toward improving your
cholesterol levels. But if you need more help, ask your doctor about
medication.
7. Consider low-dose aspirin Some observational studies suggest that
low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk of dementia, especially vascular
dementia. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate.
8. Avoid tobacco Avoid tobacco in all its forms.
9. Don't abuse alcohol. Excessive drinking is a major risk factor for
dementia. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to two drinks a day.
10. Care for your emotions People who are anxious, depressed,
sleep-deprived, or exhausted tend to score poorly on cognitive function
tests. Poor scores don't necessarily predict an increased risk of
cognitive decline
in old age, but good mental health and restful sleep are certainly
important goals.
11. Protecting your head Moderately to severe head injuries, even
without diagnosed concussions, increases the risk of cognitive impairment.
12. Build social networks Strong social ties have been associated with
a lower risk of dementia, as well as lower blood pressure and longer life
expectancy
Harvard school of medicine K Rajaram IRS 1425
On Tue, 1 Apr 2025 at 04:53, Jambunathan Iyer <[email protected]> wrote:
> Take vitamins and keep yourself hydrated
>
> By ensuring your body receives essential nutrients and adequate hydration,
> you can increase your energy levels, improve mood, and boost cognitive
> function, ultimately enabling you to perform better in various aspects of
> life.
>
> N Jambunathan Rengarajapuram-Kodambakkam-Chennai-Mob:9176159004
>
> *" What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you
> become by achieving your goals. If you want to live a happy life, tie it to
> a goal, not to people or things "*
>
>
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Thatha_Patty" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email
to [email protected].
To view this discussion visit
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZop71AboYMbdBkgS9iySXb9EkWPLyirr3dwa%2Bh9p8L%3DtWA%40mail.gmail.com.
