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Tips for Maintaining Brain Health as You Age

What’s the secret to keeping a sharp mind as you age? What steps can you take to keep your brain healthy, hold off cognitive decline and be engaged throughout your senior years? Researchers have shown that staying active, mentally, is a key tenant in aging well and has physical and emotional benefits as well. But what’s the magic bullet? What’s the secret to brain health?

Unfortunately, there’s no ‘one way’ to achieve brain health or fend off dementia. But there are a combination of healthy habits and social factors that you can combine to help you protect, build and preserve your brain function over time. Adopting this type of lifestyle today – no matter how old or young you are – will have far-reaching benefits.

Your Brain on Aging

Surprise – you can teach an old dog new tricks. It used to be that experts believed that once you passed late adolescence, your brain was as developed as it ever would be. If it sustained injury that caused a loss of brain cells (like a concussion, substance abuse or stroke), there was nothing that could be done to restore the lost brain function. These days, however, we know that the brain is a miraculous organ that can form new neural connections and grow new cells throughout your entire life. Just like atrophied muscles can become strong again through exercise, your brain can rebuild when it’s challenged.

Even individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can benefit from mental stimulation. While reversing the effects of cognitive decline is not yet possible, following a brain health regime can help people slow the progression of the disease and can even allow them to regain and strengthen some abilities for a time.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Brain

Here’s some great news: the same things you do to keep your brain healthy are the things you should be doing anyway! For years, doctors have told us to eat right, get exercise and reduce our stress levels in order to live a better quality of life. As it turns out, following these steps are the best ways to keep your brain healthy, too. Here are some habits you can implement into your daily routine starting, well, anytime!

Eat your fruits and veggies. Your body is a machine, and what you put into it will affect your output. Eating a healthy diet is essential for aging well, and it’s incredibly important in keeping your brain healthy. A well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats will keep you feeling great and your mind sharp. Research has also shown that certain foods – such as almonds, blueberries, fish and curry powder – can help boost brain function.

Exercise your body and brain. Get up and get moving! A regular exercise routine has enormous benefits for your brain. It increases the production of tiny blood vessels, helping your brain maintain optimal oxygenation and stimulation. Plus, exercise reduces your risk of cardiovascular issues, which play a major role in brain health. Even as little as 15 to 30 minutes a day makes a huge difference.

While you’re working your muscles, don’t forget to flex your little gray cells as well. Brain teasers, puzzles and other strategic games keep your mind moving and can decrease your risk for dementia. Other fun ways to keep your mind engaged are through volunteering, taking a class or doing a hobby you enjoy. Anything that interests you and stretches your mind is a good thing!

Eliminate vices. If you have bad habits, now’s the time to tackle them. If you’re a smoker, quit. Tobacco harms every organ in your body, including your brain. However, research has shown that quitting smoking – even if you’ve been doing it for years – provides benefits almost immediately. Stopping now can improve your chance for a healthier brain tomorrow.

While a glass of red wine on occasion can actually keep your brain sharp, it’s best not to overdo it. As we age, drinking affects us more significantly. You should shoot for a limit of one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. Finally, try to curb your sweet tooth. High blood sugar increases your risk for dementia as well as diabetes, so seek out low- or no-sugar options for treats.

Get a good night’s sleep. Poor sleep patterns may increase your chance of dementia. Studies have shown that not getting enough sleep is linked to heightened levels of beta-amyloids (proteins that develop into brain-destroying plaques). Do your best to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night, and you’ll find your brain is much clearer.

Visit your doctor. Be sure to visit your doctor at least once a year for your annual wellness visit. At that time, you can discuss your medication usage to make sure you have the right balance of assistance. Going to your doctor on a regular basis when you have issues can help you avoid more serious health problems down the road.

Manage your stress. Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your brain, causing deterioration of memory and negative impacts on cognitive abilities and nerve growth. It’s essential to spend time each day doing something that helps eliminate your stress, whether through relaxation, meditation or even a stroll around the block. You may also wish to see a professional to discover if medication or other therapies can play a role in reducing your stress.

Stay socially active. Having a social network is a major part of staying healthy, both physically and mentally. In fact, being socially isolated can be a factor in increasing your risk for dementia. Make plans with friends to meet for coffee or lunch, or look for a group activity to join. The important thing is to look for opportunities you will enjoy to stay engaged in your community and in life around you.

Compassionate Care for All Stages of Memory Loss

Bridges® by EPOCH provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.

Personalized Services

Bridges® by EPOCH’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for every stage of memory loss. At Bridges® by EPOCH, our residents have it all for one simple monthly fee.

Community Amenities

Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a peaceful and secure environment where residents feel at home.

Learn More About Bridges®

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