GUEST POST – Today I have another wonderful guest post to share with you all… READ TO THE END OF THE AUTHOR’S BIO
Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be helpful for other people.
How Does the Brain Remain Young?
Every brain does change with age, and mental function changes along with it. Mental decline is common, and it is one of the most feared consequences of ageing. So cognitive impairment is not inevitable.
Here are 12 ways you can help maintain brain function.
1. Get mental stimulation
Finding brain activities stimulates new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells, developing neurological “plasticity” and building up a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss.
Any mentally stimulating activity should help to build up your brain. Read, take courses, try “mental gymnastics,” such as word puzzles or even math problems Experiment with things that require manual dexterity as well as mental effort, such as drawing, painting, and other crafts.
2. Get physical exercise
Using your muscles also helps your mind. Exercise spurs the development of new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain cells (synapses). This results in brains that are more efficient, plastic, and adaptive, which translates into better performance in ageing animals. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, helps blood sugar balance and reduces mental stress, all of which can help your brain as well as your heart.
3. Improve your diet
Good nutrition can help your mind 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 proteins are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia.
4. Improve your blood pressure
High blood pressure in midlife increases the risk of cognitive decline in old age. Use lifestyle modification to keep your pressure as low as possible. Stay lean, exercise regularly, limit your alcohol to two drinks a day, reduce stress, and eat right.
Want to do more reading about how to nurture your brain?
5. Improve your blood sugar
Diabetes is an important risk factor for dementia. You can help prevent diabetes by eating right, exercising regularly, and staying lean. But if your blood sugar stays high, you will need medication to achieve good control.
6. Improve your cholesterol
High levels of LDL (“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 suggest that low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk of dementia, especially vascular dementia. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate.
8. Avoid tobacco
Avoid tobacco in all its forms.
9. Do not abuse alcohol
Excessive drinking is a major risk factor for dementia. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to two drinks a day.
Want to read my blog post on great, alcohol-free alternatives – Alcohol-Free Prosecco – 4 Lovely Ones You Need To Try
10. Care for your emotions
People who are anxious, depressed, sleep-deprived, or exhausted tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests. Poor scores do not necessarily predict an increased risk of cognitive decline in old age, but good mental health and restful sleep are certainly important goals.
11. Protect your head
Moderate to severe head injuries, even without diagnosed concussions, increase the risk of cognitive impairment.
12. Build social networks
Strong social ties have been associated with a lower risk of dementia, as well as lower blood pressure and longer life expectancy.
AUTHOR’S BIO
Trishna Patnaik has a BSc (in Life Sciences) and MBA (in Marketing) by qualification but is an artist by choice. A self-taught artist based in Mumbai, Trishna has been practising art for over 14 years. After she had a professional stint in various reputed corporations, she realised that she wanted to do something more meaningful.
She found her true calling in her passion which is painting. Trishna is now a full-time professional painter pursuing her passion to create and explore to the fullest. She says, “It’s a road less travelled but a journey that I look forward to every day.” Trishna also conducts painting workshops across Mumbai and other metropolitan cities in India.
Trishna is an art therapist and healer. She works with clients on a one-on-one basis in Mumbai.
Trishna fancies the art of creative writing and is dappling her hands in that too, to soak in the experience and an engagement with readers, wanderers and thinkers.
