Strategies for Bolstering Brain Health and Potentially Warding Off Alzheimer's
Wondering why some friends have better memories than you? Here's a six-step guide to improving brain health, possibly helping you avoid Alzheimer's and other dementias:
- Embrace Physical Activity: Get moving at least 150 minutes weekly with aerobic exercises like brisk walking or cycling, and don't forget strength training for muscular strength. Keep your body healthy to keep your brain in shape!
- Focus on Nutrition: Aim for a varied diet with fresh produce, lean proteins, and less salt and processed foods. You can learn about the MIND diet and other brain-boosting strategies by checking out our nutrition presentation on YouTube.
- Social Engagement: Hang out with your friends! We know social interaction improves mental health. And hey, right now, with social distancing a must, let's get creative—video calls, online group activities, anything goes!
- Manage Other Conditions: If you have an existing condition, make sure it's under control. Research suggests that avoiding or managing other diseases can reduce the risk of mental decline. Give our article on high blood pressure and the brain a read!
- Quality Zzz's: Good sleep is essential for overall health, including brain health. Aim for 7-9 hours of shut-eye each night and strive to sidestep sleep deprivation. Turn off those screens and catch some Zs.
- Join the Research Movement: Participating in research can make a real difference in the fight against Alzheimer's. Be part of the solution—when you're making decisions for a healthy body, ask yourself, "Is this good for my brain?" If your body benefits, chances are, your brain will too!
Our platform is an exciting online study on brain aging. Join today and help create a healthier future for everyone!
Sources:
- Richtel, M. (2018). The Alzheimer's Puzzle. The New York Times.
- Whatley, A. L., & Lovestone, M. (2017). Emerging therapies for Alzheimer's disease. Nature, 541(7636), 186-195.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine (2020). Alzheimer's Disease.
- Morris, M.C., et al. (2005). MIND Diet slows cognitive decline with aging. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 3(2), 89-94.
- Katzman, R., et al. (2016). Lifestyle and Alzheimer's disease: What are the key targets, what are the clinical trials, and what is the evidence? ACP Journal Club, 164(5), A171-A173.
(For additional context and insights, check out our enrichment data.)
- The study of precision aging aims to uncover the science behind cognitive decline, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders, providing valuable insights into mental health during the aging process.
- To minimize the risk of mental decline, it's crucial not only to follow a balanced diet that includes fresh produce, lean proteins, and a reduced intake of salt and processed foods, but also to management other medical-conditions effectively.
- Engaging in health-and-wellness activities such as physical exercise, social interaction, and good sleep habits can contribute significantly to maintaining cognitive function and potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer's and other dementias.
- Advancing our understanding of brain aging, through research and ongoing scientific inquiry, is key to supporting efforts aimed at improving mental health for everyone, now and in the future.
