| Wellness
✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Hey girl, here’s the deal. We all want to keep our minds sharp and healthy, but sometimes it feels like there are too many factors out of our control when it comes to dementia. But fear not! According…
Hey girl, here’s the deal. We all want to keep our minds sharp and healthy, but sometimes it feels like there are too many factors out of our control when it comes to dementia. But fear not! According to experts, there are things we can do right now that may make a difference later in life.
First things first, let’s address the modifiable risk factors that The Lancet updates annually. These are lifestyle choices and health conditions that, when addressed, could reduce your dementia risk by up to 45%. Some new additions this year include high LDL cholesterol and vision loss. So, taking care of your overall health is crucial for brain health too!
Now, let’s dive into the good stuff – Dr. Nilüfer Ertekin-Taner from Mayo Clinic Hospital and Dr. Scott Kaiser from Providence Saint John’s Health Center share their top tips for better brain health.
1. Annual check-ups: Don’t skip your annual appointments, girls! Getting regular check-ups is crucial for catching any potential issues early. Plus, your doctor can help create a personalized plan to keep your heart and brain healthy. 2. Heart-healthy diet: Eating a Mediterranean or MIND diet (developed specifically for cognitive health) filled with green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, and limited red meat can protect your brain cells from oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer’s. 3. Exercise regularly: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week. Not only will this benefit your overall well-being, but it can improve verbal fluency, memory recall, attention, and executive functioning. 4. Stay social: Interacting with people activates your brain and stimulates cognitive function, reducing stress and improving language and memory skills. So grab a friend for a workout or volunteer – weekly engagement with community groups is associated with slower memory decline! 5. Mental stimulation: Challenge your brain by reading, solving puzzles, or learning to play an instrument. This encourages neurons to make new memories, creating a feedback loop of maintaining brain health. 6. Vitamin check-ups: Make sure you’re not deficient in any essential nutrients that can prevent neurons from transmitting messages and lead to cognitive challenges. Work with your doctor to address any deficiencies through dietary adjustments or supplements.
💫 And always remember that it’s okay to seek help if you’re struggling with cognitive decline – there are FDA-approved treatments available.
Remember, girls, taking care of your brain is about taking care of yourself as a whole – focus on heart health, eat right, exercise regularly, stay social, stimulate your mind, and get regular check-ups. And always remember that it’s okay to seek help if you’re struggling with cognitive decline – there are FDA-approved treatments available!
So, here’s the question for you: What are some ways you prioritize brain health in your daily life? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources:
* The Lancet * World Health Organization * Mayo Clinic Hospital * Providence Saint John’s Health Center * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) * National Institutes of Health (NIH) * Journal of Clinical and Translational Research * Alzheimer’s Association * The International Journal of Molecular Sciences * Frontiers in Physiology
❓ People Also Ask
What are some tips for better brain health shared by dementia doctors?
Tips include regular exercise, a balanced diet, mental stimulation, adequate sleep, and social engagement.
How can I start improving my brain health today according to dementia experts?
Start by incorporating physical activity, a brain-healthy diet, and engaging in activities that challenge your mind into your daily routine.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇