Aging and Memory Loss: Top Ways To Maintain A Healthy Brain

As we grow older our bodies age slowly on the outside and the inside. Depending on how you take care of yourself, one side might age faster than the other. A perfect example is the brain. It stores everything we learn throughout our lives, and the older we get the harder it is to remember. However, there are certain things we can do that will slow the aging of our brain and the memory loss that accompanies. Below I have listed five things you can do that will help keep your mind sharp and prevent memory loss as you age.

Play Games

Playing games that trigger your memory helps your mind stay in shape. Practicing to remember is like exercise for the mind. Games like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and matching games are all proven to delay brain decline.

Nutrition

Certain nutrients are known to help the brain preserve memory. For example, Omega 3 fatty acids repair our brain cells. You can buy Omega 3 supplements online or eat the foods that they occur in naturally. Foods like oatmeal, brown rice and salmon all contain Omega 3's. Also, vitamin B12 promotes healthy brain function. Good sources are shellfish, beef, and milk products.

Get Enough Sleep

When we sleep our bodies heal and repair at a faster and more efficient rate than when we are awake. Not getting enough rest and having irregular sleeping habits slows this process down and we lose our edge.

Exercise

Working out keeps you looking good on the outside but exercise does even more for us on the inside. By doing cardiovascular exercises such as swimming, running, or cycling and mixing in strength training three to four times a week you will get much-needed oxygen to the brain. This optimizes brain function and performance.

No Smoking & Drinking

Drinking kills your brain cells and studies have shown that cells killed by drinking do not replenish. Furthermore, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol puts you more at risk for developing dementia as compared to those that don't do one or the other.

Memory loss is typically something that naturally occurs as we grow older. By putting forth the effort and taking care of yourself you can lessen and delay the effects of age. However, conditions such as Alzheimer disease and dementia are not something that naturally occur with aging. If you experience any symptoms related to these conditions you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Dementia is treatable and the rate of Alzheimer disease slowed, if treated early.

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