Keeping your brain healthy is as easy as 1-2-3-4
Presented by Vista Gardens
Diane Darby Beach, MPH, Ed.D, director of education and outreach for Vista Gardens Memory Care Community, offers some tips on keeping one’s brain healthy:
While you may not be able to completely reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease, you might be able to reduce your risk of developing the disease via four lifestyle factors.
First, exercising on a daily basis plays an important part in protecting your brain. The bottom line is that heart health equals brain health. In fact, 20 to 25 percent of the blood from each pump of your heart goes straight to your brain. In other words, if you are losing vital circulation of blood to your brain (due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or obesity, or lack of physical activity), you might be putting yourself at risk for some form of dementia. Physical exercise such as walking, playing tennis, golfing, swimming and yoga are just a few examples of physical exercise. The important thing to remember is to do something that you like and something that is convenient.
Next, you need to eat right. It’s what you told your kids (and what your parents told you), you are what you eat. Fresh vegetables and fruit are primary consumables for a healthy brain. Specifically, deep-green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts are positively impactful to the brain. Fruits high in anti-oxidants such as strawberries, blueberries, red grapes and black cherries are also great for the brain. Next, omega fatty acids are incredible for your brain, so consume fish such as halibut, mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna. You only need fish in your diet a couple of times a week to make a positive impact on your brain.
Further, mental stimulation is imperative to maintain a healthy mind. It’s the old age, “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” Reading, writing, doing crossword or jigsaw puzzles, keeping up with current events, and attending classes all stimulate the brain. It does not matter how old you are, we know that you can strengthen brain cells and grow new neuropathways via cognitive exercise.
Lastly, it is important to remain socially connected. Does this mean that you must be an extreme “extrovert” and attend big gatherings to maintain optimal brain function? No, what it does mean is that people who isolate themselves become depressed and their self-esteem takes a dip. Those two processes put you more at risk for dementia. Stay connected by calling a family member you’ve been out of touch with or meet a friend for coffee or a walk.
To learn more about Dementia related topics, Diane will be speaking in person at the upcoming “Communication and Dementia” class at Vista Gardens Memory Care. Free to the public on Oct. 4 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Register by calling: (760) 407-2956 or go online to www.VistaMemoryCare.com.
Vista Gardens Memory Care
Phone: (760) 407-2956
Address: 1863 Devon Place, Vista