Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to be your brain’s destiny, says neuroscientist and author of “Still Alice,” Lisa Genova. She shares the latest science investigating the disease — and some promising research on what each of us can do to build an Alzheimer’s-resistant brain.
Reducing Chances of Alzheimer’s Disease
It is tough to believe that these simple steps might help ward off a complex disease like Alzheimer’s.
Studies show that Alzheimer’s can be prevented and these ideas might help prevention it.
It is surprising advice that preventing your grandmother’s disease can be as simple as the steps listed below.
However, there is considerable evidence that simple lifestyle changes really can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s.
A study of 1200 individuals at high risk for Alzheimer’s was conducted over the span of two decades. Group one was given a total “lifestyle makeover” which included nutrition advice, a workout coach, social activities, and careful management of coronary health.
They discovered that these lifestyle changes can slow the decline in memory.
Somehow the simple things are what turn out to be protective.
Lifestyle Changes to Make Now that May Ward Off Alzheimer’s
What does it mean to have a lifestyle makeover? What sorts of changes can you make to lower your risk of Alzheimer’s?
Here are a few you can make.
1. Brain Food
A good start is a Mediterranean diet, that contains whole grains, berries, nuts, fish, legumes, green leafy vegetables, and red wine. Olive oil is part of the diet which should come as no surprise!
Another great step is a pure food diet which replaces processed food with whole natural foods.
2. Get Physical
Once you retire, you have far more personal time than when you worked full-time. Scientists who’ve studied Aerobic exercise discovered that when you are more active, portions of the brain develop. Those portions are the regions that control memory and learning.
3. Enrollments Open For Courses
You do not have to take courses at your nearby college or enroll in an online University. Instead you can read and study for yourself but schools certainly make it easier! Most of all, you should treat your brain like a muscle. Keep challenging yourself to learn new things. Consequentially, the more you use it the stronger it will become.
4. Train The Brain
Scientists believe that by playing brain games we might help ward off these types of diseases. Now they are uncovering the benefits of specific kinds of games.
Games known as a brain trainers are capable of helping to preserve cognitive function. These sort of brain games and training help exercise the brain in the most effective ways.
Sudoku and crossword puzzles, both often found in the daily paper, are the type of brain trainers that prove quite effective.
5. Reduce Stress
When you experience stress, your body pumps out a hormone known as cortisol. With time, the brain can be damaged by cortisol by shrinking and stopping the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that stores memories.
Meditation, deep breathing, drinking tea, and exercise are some of the best ways to reduce stress. You can find many more in this HuffingtonPost Blog post.
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