Empower Your Brain

As September marks World Alzheimer's Month, it's a great opportunity to focus on your brain health and take steps to potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Senior woman thinking in her home

Strategies to Safeguard Your Cognitive Health

While there are no foolproof methods, certain lifestyle choices can contribute to cognitive well-being and a lower likelihood of developing this condition. By integrating these practices into your life, you’re actively nurturing your brain health and overall vitality.

  1. Stay Physically Active: Elevate your brain health by engaging in regular physical activity. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic
    exercise every week, such as walking. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, promotes neuron growth, and enhances cognitive function.
  2. Adopt a Healthy Diet: Opt for a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens can shield brain cells from damage, while omega-3 fatty acids in fish support cognitive function.
  3. Maintain Social Connections: Prioritize interactions with friends, family, and community. Social engagement provides cognitive stimulation and emotional support crucial for brain health.
  4. Prioritize Sleep: Allow 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to facilitate memory consolidation and optimal brain function.
  5. Manage Stress: Employ stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or spending time in nature. Reducing stress fosters relaxation and emotional well-being, benefiting brain health.
  6. Control Chronic Conditions: Manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Addressing these conditions can lower cognitive decline risk.
  7. Stay Mentally Active: Challenge your brain with activities such as puzzles, reading, learning an instrument, or acquiring a new skill. Keeping your mind engaged helps build cognitive resilience, which might delay cognitive decline.

By embracing a holistic approach, you empower yourself to potentially lead a longer, brain-healthy life. Your commitment to cognitive well-being today can pave the way for a sharper mind tomorrow. And remember, protecting cognitive health is a lifelong journey. While these strategies may aid in reducing Alzheimer’s risk, genetics also influence susceptibility. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.

*Advice and tips to help you live your best life are brought to you by Lively by Best Buy Health. And remember, get help at the touch of a button with Lively Mobile Plus.
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Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/reducing-risk-of-alzheimers-disease/index.htm
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/prevention

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