With advancing age, the brain and mental function may change. Mental decline is common, and it is one of the most terrifying consequences of aging, but cognitive impairment is not inevitable. Harvard Some of the ways in which you can preserve brain function, namely:
1: Get mental stimulation
By researching with mice and humans, scientists have found that mental activities stimulate new connections between neurons and may help the brain generate new cells, develop neuronal “plasticity” and build a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss..
2: physical exercise
Research shows that using your muscles helps your brain as well. Animals that exercise regularly increase the number of tiny blood vessels that transport oxygen-rich blood to the area of the brain responsible for thinking. Exercise also stimulates the development of new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain cells (synapses). This results in more efficient, plastic and adaptive brains, which translates into better performance in elderly animals, as exercise lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, helps balance blood sugar and reduces mental stress, all of which can help your mind as well as your heart..
3: Improve your diet
Good nutrition can help your brain as well as your body, for example people who eat a Mediterranean-style diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils (olive oil) and plant sources of protein are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia..
4: Improve blood pressure
High blood pressure in middle age increases the risk of cognitive decline in old age. Use lifestyle modifications to keep your pressure as low as possible. Stay light, exercise regularly, reduce your alcohol intake to two drinks a day, reduce stress. And eat properly.
5: Improve blood sugar
Diabetes is an important risk factor for dementia. You can help prevent diabetes by eating properly, exercising regularly, and staying thin. But if your blood sugar level remains high, you will need medication to achieve good control.
6. Improve cholesterol level
High levels of low-density lipoprotein (“bad”) cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of dementia. Diet, exercise, weight control, and avoiding tobacco will go a long way toward improving your cholesterol levels. But if you need more help, ask your doctor about medication.
7. Consider low-dose aspirin
Some observational studies indicate that low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk of developing dementia, especially vascular dementia.
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