“Get enough sleep, eat right and go out to play!”
This advice might bring back memories of childhood or of parenting, but it’s also a good prescription for a lifetime of brain health.
Getting enough sleep, exercise, healthy food and time with friends all help protect the brain’s health — and are on the top 10 list of brain health activities recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Exercise
Exercise might be the single most important thing people can do to improve their body and brain health. Being physically active helps ensure that oxygen-rich blood is
available to all parts of the body, including the brain. Additionally, the process of exercise strengthens cell growth and connections, so exercise might actually help people learn and grow throughout their lives.
A small increase in physical activity every day will help build up a habit of healthy activity. Walking is an affordable, easy way to get more exercise. Or, try to build in 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
Sleep well
Studies show a link between interrupted sleep and an increased risk of dementia. Sleep habits change as people age, but most people still require an average of eight hours of sleep to function effectively. Many medical experts believe that sleep is a necessary part of the body’s self-healing process.
People struggling with interrupted sleep might be reassured to know that even a 45-minute nap can improve memory.
Eat well
A healthy, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is an important part of keeping the brain healthy. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For example, a study in the journal Nutrition Research showed that high-fat meals interfered with the memories of older adults with type II diabetes. Eating well not only feeds your brain, but it helps your cardiovascular system stay healthy. Foods that feed your brain include, spinach, broccoli, beets, onions, corn, eggplant, prunes, blueberries, red grapes, cherries and oranges.
Socialise
People over age 50 are less likely to experience dementia or memory loss if they have strong social networks. Spending time with friends challenges the brain to learn and remember connections between people and events.
