Stimulate your mind to Prevent Alzheimer’s

As you grow older you begin to be weary of the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Like all diseases, the best cure is always a preventative one, stopping it before it even starts. Many will sit and hope for a pharmaceutical cure, while the smart among us will reduce the risk by taking up a host of preventative measures that help to keep our mental faculties in check. By fuelling the brain in the right manner we can prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and slow down, or even reverse, the process of deterioration.

Staying Active

First and foremost, it is important to live an active and physically rewarding lifestyle. This means regular exercise, keeping your weight under control and taking in the fresh air of the great outdoors. Activities that include balance and coordination exercises and a moderate level of weight and resistance training are particularly helpful for the brain. Research suggests that exercise protects against Alzheimer’s by stimulating the brain’s ability to maintain old connections as well as make new ones.

Healthy Diet

Inflammation and insulin resistance can damage neurons and disable communication between brain cells. Alzheimer’s is sometimes described as “diabetes of the brain,” and a growing body of information suggests a strong link between metabolic disorders and the signal processing systems. Eating habits that reduce inflammation and promote normal energy production are brain-healthy. This should include adopting a Mediterranean diet, eating to protect glial cells, avoiding trans fats and saturated fats, eating plenty of omega-3 fats, eat fruit and vegetables regularly, maintain consistent levels of insulin and blood sugar, and enjoy daily cups of tea, especially green teas. 

Mental Stimulation

The old adage – “use it or lose it” – is essential with the brain. Those who continue to learn new things, even into old age, and continue to challenge their brains are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Daily reading, Sudoku’s, taking up a new language or just setting aside each day to stimulate your brain with a mental activity will help keep you mentally sharp. Activities involving multiple tasks or requiring communication, interaction, and organisation offer the greatest protection.

Quality Sleep

It’s common for people with Alzheimer’s disease to suffer from insomnia and other sleep problems. Research suggests that disrupted sleep isn’t just a symptom of Alzheimer’s, but a possible risk factor. An increasing number of studies have linked poor sleep to higher levels of beta-amyloid, a sticky brain-clogging protein that in turn further interferes with sleep—especially with the deep sleep necessary for memory formation. Regular sleep patterns, time set aside for naps and quieting your inner thoughts can help you regain quality sleep and enhancing your mind against Alzheimer’s.

Social Connections

A rich social life not only makes us happier but also is good the body, the mind and helping you to lead a balanced life. Human beings are social creatures, there is no two ways about it. We don’t thrive in isolation. Studies show that the more connected we are, the better we fare on tests of memory and cognition. Research shows that staying socially engaged may even protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in later life, so make developing and maintaining a strong network of friends a priority. When it comes to socializing, think quality, not quantity.