5 ways to keep your brain clean and fight against dementia | Aging



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Eat Well

Up to 80% of patients with Alzheimer's disease also have cardiovascular disease. According to a 2017 AARP study, the management of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia improves cognitive performance and can reduce the risk of dementia

L & ## 39; Alzheimer's Association recommends the Mediterranean diet and the Mediterranean DASH. ) diet. In general, both call for eating less saturated fat, sugar and red meat and adding more fresh produce, fish, whole grains and nuts. Healthy food choices can reduce inflammation related to cognitive decline and improve blood flow, affecting brain health.

Catch some Z

Sleeping less than seven or eight hours a night is related to cognitive decline, memory loss and possibly Alzheimer's disease, according to government studies and the 39: AARP

During sleep, your brain catalogs memories and repairs itself. This is also when the glymphatic system of your brain flushes toxins, including a protein called beta-amyloid, which is the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Learning Something New

"One of the most important discoveries formal education has a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease or dementia," says Adams. Lifelong learning increases the connections of nerve cells or neurons in the brain, making some people more resistant to cognitive decline and risk of dementia with age. You do not need a PhD to keep your mind active. Learning a new language or taking guitar lessons

Getting a social life

Socializing with others keeps the brain healthy and can prevent dementia by strengthening connections between neurons. Invest in social activities that are important to you, such as joining a group or volunteering at the library.

DeSoto residents Veronica Shanklin and her mother, Linda, often walk in the park, go bowling or take a knitting clbad. They also participate in the Meaningful Moments program at the Dallas Museum of Art, an interactive program for people with early dementia.

Linda was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at 67 years old. Now 70, she is still in the light to moderate phase. She is relatively independent, but she suffers from a short-term memory loss, says Veronica, her main caregiver.

"We socialize and we go out of the house," says Veronica. "Mom always said:" If you do not use it, you lose it. "

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