2024-02-18 09:32:39 Translated by Wang Yuting, reporter of Lianhe Daily Vitality Weekly Changing living habits may reverse or delay dementia, and it is never too late. Figure/123RF
With the arrival of a super-aged society, dementia has become a global crisis. Although the factors of dementia include force majeure factors such as genetics and environment, certain lifestyles and health conditions can also bring about a dementia crisis. Jessica Caldwell, director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center at the Cleveland Clinic, said lifestyle changes may reverse or delay the disease, and it’s never too late. Even mild cognitive changes can benefit from a healthy brain. Benefit from healthy habits.
When it comes to preventing dementia, neurologists share seven things they never do, recommending avoiding the following habits to keep your brain functioning at its best.
1. Frequently eat processed foods
Processed foods such as fast food are convenient and fast, but they are also a killer of brain health. People who regularly eat processed foods lack the brain-healthy nutrients found in a natural diet, such as dark green vegetables, omega-3-rich fish, berries and nuts. Higher levels of omega-3s in the brain help brain cells communicate more smoothly with other cells in the body, which the Alzheimer’s Society says is an important process for the brain’s functioning.
Neuroscientist Friederike Fabritius said that a lack of fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir (fermented milk), and kimchi in the diet may lead to cognitive problems. “Processed foods can cause micro-inflammation of the brain,” and fermented foods contain The microbiome is good for brain health. “Most of our neurotransmitters are produced in the gut,” he said.
2. Sedentary lifestyle
Exercise helps maintain brain health, said Dr. Randall Wright, a neuroscientist at the Woodland Hospital Brain Health Center. Exercise can unleash the brain’s potential, maintain cell development, improve blood flow to the brain, reduce stress, reduce inflammation, and have cardiovascular benefits. healthy.
3. Refuse to socialize
Several studies have pointed out that loneliness is bad for your health. People with good social relationships can live an average of eight years longer. Social isolation is as bad for health as smoking two packs of cigarettes a day. Social isolation, or withdrawal from social activities such as the workplace, can have negative effects on the brain. When we interact with people, our brains are processing a lot; once we are away from social activities, these neural circuits are not utilized, accelerating cognitive decline. Loss of social interaction can also lead to reduced physical activity and symptoms of depression, which are associated with dementia.
4. Often stay up late
Adequate sleep can help the brain function properly. Dr. Wright said that the Glymphatic system is like the brain’s trash can. When you fall asleep, it becomes very active and works hard to remove toxic proteins from the brain, such as amyloid. and other substances related to Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, insufficient sleep can hinder physical health activities during the day, such as exercise, and can affect mood and increase stress.
5. Ignore your stress
Long-term stress can cause harm to the body, but there is no completely stress-free life in the world. What is important is how to respond appropriately when stress occurs. When you feel stressed, cortisol surges, which if sustained, can damage the brain. Find ways to manage stress that work for you, such as walking, doing yoga, meditating, etc.
6. Ignore high blood pressure
Smoking, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise are factors that lead to high blood pressure. Uncontrolled blood pressure increases the risk of dementia later in life. Minimizing the factors that cause high blood pressure can help prevent future cognitive decline in the brain.
7. Stop learning
You may have been away from school for years, but staying curious is one of the ways to exercise your mind and keep it sharp. A recent study found that adults who continued in education had a 19% lower risk of developing dementia. Every time we learn something new, brain cells form new connections, and each time these connections are made, it increases what’s called “brain plasticity.” Plasticity is the ability of the mind and brain to adapt to change, which is why it is theorized that people with higher levels of education are less at risk of developing dementia later in life.
Editor in charge: Gu Zihuan
Yuanqi Weekly
Lianhe Daily launches Vitality Weekly, which is healthy, lively and environmentally friendly. It comes with the newspaper every Sunday and has 12 pages.
brain health dementia
recommended article
2024-02-18 01:32:39
#late7 #Dementia #Experts #Brain #Stay #Top #Condition #Brain #Health #Dementia
