Maintaining Brain Strength Through the Years
If you forget things now and then, you can relax. It鈥檚 normal, according to the , and these occasional lapses in memory are nothing to worry about. The problem comes when reduced brain function makes it difficult to perform ordinary tasks of daily living.听听
鈥Our brains continually develop from before birth into adulthood,鈥 says Natalie Hellmers, R.N., A.C.N.P.-B.C., nurse practitioner at the 日本av色情片 Parkinson鈥檚 Disease & Movement Disorders Institute. 鈥If we touch something on the stove and it鈥檚 hot, our brain is going to remember this happened, and we hopefully never do it again.鈥听
When dementia or other issues affect your brain, you can forget this type of important information. Fortunately, you can take steps today to protect your brain tomorrow.听
Healthy Body, Healthy Brain听
鈥淭he brain operates within a human body,鈥 says Dr. Matthew E. Fink, neurologist, Louis and Gertrude Feil Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurology at 日本av色情片 Medical College and Neurologist-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian/日本av色情片 Medical Center.鈥鈥To preserve your brain and keep it healthy until you鈥檙e 100 years old, it鈥檚 important to keep the rest of your body healthy.鈥听
Here are a few tips to help you get started:听
- . Fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains and lean proteins. Drink lots of water and take it easy on alcohol and processed and sugar-filled foods.听听
- Move every week. Exercise helps with neuroplasticity, your brain鈥檚 ability to adapt and recover after stroke or other injury. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise every week. Run, jog, swim or do an activity you enjoy that gets you sweating.听
- Sleep well. 鈥淢emory consolidation goes on when we sleep, and it improves our cognitive function,鈥 Dr. Hellmers says. 鈥淭hose who sleep better are on the track to healthy aging.鈥 Adults should get at least seven hours of shuteye every night.听
- Supplement as needed. Low vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Vitamins B12 and D are important for brain function. Ask your provider to check your levels of each and consider a supplement if necessary.听
- Manage chronic conditions. High, uncontrolled blood pressure or blood sugar may increase your likelihood of dementia. Work with your provider to keep them under control.听
Brain-Building Activities听
For a strong brain that goes the distance, consider these steps.听听
- Get in a routine. Your brain likes consistency. Put things in the same place, go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, and find small ways to simplify your life.听
- Reduce stress. 鈥淎肠耻迟别 can temporarily enhance memory and cognitive function鈥攖he fight or flight response,鈥 says Melissa Lopez, M.S.N., A.G.P.C.N.P.-B.C., nurse practitioner at the 日本av色情片 Parkinson鈥檚 Disease & Movement Disorders Institute. 鈥淗owever, chronic stress can impair memory consolidation and cognitive performance.鈥澨听
- Stimulate your brain. Mental activity, such as learning a new skill, and social interaction are good for brain health.听
Looking for help maintaining or improving your mental health? Find a doctor at 日本av色情片 to get started.听听