5 sure signs you’ve damaged your brain, say experts



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Your brain. As long as the corps command center seems to be in good working order, most of us don’t give it much thought. But many experts say it’s time to get more proactive about our brain health, which can deteriorate with age. The The number of people living with dementia globally is expected to triple by 2050, as the population ages and life expectancy increases. While there is no cure for dementia right now, several studies have shown that you can take steps to keep your brain healthy – and there are many destructive patterns that can destroy this organ. incredibly vital. Read on to find out more and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You Have A ‘Long’ COVID And You May Not Even Know It.

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Out of necessity, most of us have been isolated during the pandemic. But being alone can put your brain health at risk. Loneliness seems to cause a stress response in the body which, over time, can weaken the heart, immune system, and brain. “Social isolation and loneliness have negative health effects along with obesity, physical inactivity and smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and are associated with an increased risk of dementia of about 50. % “, explains the study. Scott Kaiser, MD, a certified geriatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., and director of geriatric cognitive health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute.

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Sleep is extremely important for your brain. During this time, it cleanses itself, removing proteins and wastes that can lead to dementia. Not getting enough sleep and you will increase your risk for temporary fog now and dementia later. “The amount and quality of sleep has profound physiological impacts that impact our daily thinking, memory and mood, as well as our long-term risk for cognitive decline,” Kaiser explains. Experts recommend that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

RELATED: 9 daily habits that could lead to dementia

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If you don’t exercise regularly, you’re not just putting your heart and waistline at risk. A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to an increased risk of dementia and cardiovascular diseases like stroke. “The benefits of regular physical activity are so many, especially for our brain health, that in a way exercise is the closest thing to a wonder drug,” Kaiser explains. According to the Mayo Clinic, just brisk walking for 30 to 60 minutes, three to five times a week, can lead to “measurable brain improvements.”

RELATED: Signs that you are contracting one of the ‘deadliest’ cancers

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Recent studies suggest that the concept of “brain food” is not a myth. “A large and growing body of research demonstrates the brain health benefits of certain foods, especially those rich in certain antioxidants and other neuroprotective compounds,” Kaiser explains.

Some studies show that people who consume more phytonutrients called flavonoid intakes have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. These natural chemicals appear to protect the brain from injury. Foods rich in flavonoids include berries, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, tea, and dark chocolate.

RELATED: The leading cause of Alzheimer’s disease, according to science

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Do you feel adrift? It’s not just bad for your bank account; your brain can suffer from it too. A long-term study found that people with high purpose or meaning in life were 2.4 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than people with low goal. Preserving meaning seems to keep your brain healthy, even if it has been physically damaged by an injury or stroke. You don’t need to have the answer to the meaning of life; just get involved – studies have shown that volunteering, mentoring, and taking classes are all effective ways to improve your brain health. So ask for help if you need it, and to get through this pandemic to the best of your health, don’t miss these 35 places where you’re most likely to catch COVID.

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