Set Yourself Up To Keep Your Brain In Top Condition Through Your Lifestyle

Lifestyle choices you make has a deep impact on the health of your brain in terms of what you eat and drink, amount of exercise you do, number of hours you sleep, your social skills,  and ways you manage your stress. Yes, brain is not a muscle, but it benefits from the same healthy habits that keep your body in great shape. There’s no running away from forgetfulness as you age, but you can definitely preserve the brain health you have through the lifestyle choices you make. It’s always a good time to start adopting these lifestyle habits, which can help boost your brain health and aid in your fight against dementia.

1.      Exercising regularly can significantly reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s by promoting the growth and ensuring the upkeep of neurons, improving blood flow and memory, and supporting brain growth.

2.      A good night’s sleep (at least for 7 to 9 hours) can do you a world of good, since poor sleep is linked to cognitive challenges.

3.      Brain requires constant stimulation to stay active. The best way to stimulate your mind is by learning a new skill (a language, musical instrument, new technologies), performing new activities (doing crosswords, puzzles, playing board games), and taking up new hobbies (writing, reading, gardening, knitting, painting), which can improve your brain reserve.

4.      Quit smoking, which puts you at an increased risk of cognitive decline.

5.      Staying socially active by staying in touch with family, friends, and acquaintances boosts your mood and protects against memory loss. Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

6.      It is equally important to keep your heart healthy, since according to the American Heart Association, the same risk factors that cause heart disease apply to dementia. You might be wondering about the connection, which is believed to be proper blood flow that both the heart and brain require to function properly. Blood vessels tend to narrow with increasing age, which may interfere with adequate blood flow throughout the body. This form of heart disease also puts blood vessels to the brain in harm’s way, putting brain health in jeopardy. To keep heart and brain healthy,

a.      move more,

b.      manage stress,

c.       get exercise,

d.      eat healthy (fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains), and

e.      keep your weight in a healthy range.

7.      Prioritise your mental (psychological) well-being- yoga, meditation can help, mix with more positive individuals.

According to the CDC, more than 5 million Americans 65 years of age and over are affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, and these numbers are expected to rise in the coming decades. However, following the aforementioned lifestyle habits can minimize your risk of developing cognitive impairment and help you stay healthy for longer. 

The most challenging aspect of aging is a decline in the cognitive abilities that most Americans face. Fortunately, there are steps you can take in terms of the lifestyle choices you make that can preserve cognitive health. If you feel you need a helping hand to assist you in implementing these lifestyle suggestions, book a suite at Anthem Senior Living for memory care- the best form of senior living in Anthem, to keep your or your loved one’s mind, body, and brain in the best shape possible.

To book a suite, contact Anthem Senior Living at Phoenix, AZ at 602.909.9550.