It’s no secret that aging comes with changes to both your mind and body. Memory loss and decreased mobility are often a part of getting older, but what if you could better prepare yourself for life’s challenges as you age?
Like the body, you can exercise your mental strength. By training your brain, you can reduce your risk for common aging diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia, which currently affect more than 6 million Americans. While there is no cure-all for aging, and it certainly won’t make you any younger, stimulating your brain regularly has been known to maintain or improve your brain health.
So, what activities might help keep your mind in tip-top shape?
Brain Games
Find crossword puzzles or Sudoku particularly enjoyable? You’re in luck. Mental stimulation is among the best ways to kickstart new connections between nerve cells and can even lead to the potential creation of new cells altogether. Mental activities help the brain develop neurological “plasticity,” building up a reserve that prevents future cell loss. Any mentally stimulating activity, like reading, learning a new skill, or doing puzzles, can help to build brain strength.
However, do your best to avoid too much screen time. Watching TV or scrolling on your phone is a passive activity and does little to work your brain properly and might even impact your mood and ability to concentrate. Instead, try picking up a pen, pencil, or paintbrush – utilizing your manual dexterity and mental efforts can help boost your brainpower.
Exercise
If you can participate in physical activity, exercising can be another great option for strengthening not only your body but also your mind. Exercising increases the tiny blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the region of the brain that is responsible for thought. Not only that, but it also contributes to developing new nerve cells and increases brain cell connectivity. Increased blood flow and nerve connectivity can help slow progressive memory loss and allow you to think more clearly.
Additionally, exercise is a great way to help regulate your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar balance, and stress, which, in turn, helps to nourish your brain and heart. For example, pickleball is an excellent way to exercise. Its small court size makes it an easy-on-the-body option that gets your blood flow moving and challenges your mind and body. Swimming is another low-impact option that many people enjoy, but anything that gets your heart rate up can benefit your mind.
Diet
Nourishing your body also nourishes your mind. Consuming nutritious foods, like those that make up the Mediterranean diet, has been linked to a lowered risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, healthy fats (like olive oil), and whole grains – incorporating less red meat and salt.
Socialize
Did you know that certain illnesses, like heart problems, have been linked to loneliness? Socializing with friends and family is a great way to engage your brain and keep yourself healthy. The act of giving and receiving information conversationally can improve your memory and thinking skills.
Not only that, but other brain-friendly activities, like exercising, puzzles, and cooking healthy foods, can all be done with loved ones to boost your brain power and overall wellbeing.
At the end of the day, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. While all these activities can help boost your brain’s defenses against aging, it’s important to note that they cannot reverse the effects of cognitive impairments.
Common signs of memory loss beyond those seen with typical aging include:
- Mixing or forgetting common words when speaking
- Asking the same questions repeatedly
- Trouble recalling recent conversations or happenings
- Misplacing commonly used items
- Becoming lost in areas that should be familiar
- Forgetting appointments or other important responsibilities of note
If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or other signs of cognitive decline that interfere with day-to-day activities, please contact your Atrius Health provider.
