Brain Age: 10 Top Tips To Maintain Your Brain
Posted Dec 20 2007 4:33am
Worried about losing your memory as you are getting older? The San Francisco Chronicle recently published the Alzheimer's Association 10 Top Tips to Maintain Your Brain. There are things you can do now to protect your brain from memory loss:
1. Head first. Good health starts with your brain. It's one of the most vital body organs and needs care and maintenance.
2. Take brain health to heart. What's good for the heart is good for the brain. Do something every day to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke - all of which can increase your risk of Alzheimer's.
3. Numbers count. Keep your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges.
4. Feed your brain: East less fat and more anti-oxidant rich foods (fish, leafy greens, whole grains, nuts).
5. Work your body. Exercise keeps the blood flowing and may encourage new brain cells. Do what you can - like walking 30 minutes a day - to keep both mind and body active.
6. Jog your mind. Keeping your brain active and engaged increases its vitality and builds reserves of brain cells and connections. Read, write, play games, learn new things, do crossword puzzles.
7. Connect with others. Leisure activities that combine physical, mental and social elements may be most likely to prevent dementia. Be social, converse, volunteer, join a club or take a class.
8. Protect your brain. Take precautions against head injuries. Use seatbelts, unclutter your house to avoid falls, and wear a helmet when cycling or rollerblading.
9. Use your head. Avoid unhealthy habits. Don't smoke, drink alcohol excessively or use street drugs.
10. Think ahead. Do something today to protect your tomorrow.
Increasing evidence suggests that another important way of maintaining your memory is to train your brain, in a similar way to training your body. In fact the latest scientific studies suggest that brain training can even restore ailing memory and keep your concentration, memory and mental speed in peak condition throughout your life. Neuropsychologists have developed targeted brain training exercises, now available as a software computer program, through HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness. To find out more, click here.
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