One of the absolute scariest things about getting older is the fact that our brain will slow down over time and a select few of us will suffer from Dementia, a group of disorders that severely affects brain function and memory. With no known cure or root cause, it can be a very frightening prospect for some people. Here are three things you can do to try better your chances at keeping your mind sharper and avoiding this horrible disease.
1. Be as Healthy as Possible
(source: duochelsea.com)
As with almost any ailment out there that isn’t 100% genetic, maintain a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the chances that you will suffer from dementia later in life. This means you should eat healthier, work out almost every day, be active and get all of your nutrients. While this isn’t always easy as we are busy, it is a small price to pay when you compare the alternatives. Droppings habits such as smoking and heavy binge drinking is also a great idea.
2. Mindfullness
(source: psychologytoday.com)
Dementia is a set of diseases that attack the mind and brain and reduce their function greatly. By making an effort to quiet your mind and be mindful can actually have bigger benefits on dementia and Alzheimer’s than you might think. This is because it has been shown that being mindful and mediating can increase protective tissues in the brain and can reduce cortisol (which has sometimes been linked to increasing the risk of dementia).
3. Keep Learning and Challenging Yourself
(source: huffingtonpost.com)
In a disease that destroys the function of the brain over time and gets rid of all your memories, it makes sense that keeping your brain as active as possible can help to prevent it. Now, there are a number of different things you can try to do that will keep your brain fresh and firing on all cylinders. Learning a new language, doing puzzles, taking classes, learning, reading and so much more can all have a positive effect on your life and also reduce your chances of getting dementia.