With the aging baby boomer population rapidly increasing, it is important to learn how to protect their brains. Keeping your loved ones mentally active by encouraging them to do puzzles, play games, and engage in discussion with others can help prevent memory loss and dementia. Regularly exercising and taking time for yourself can also reduce stress levels, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
This article will outline a few important ways to protect the aging brain even as you grow older!
Keep Them Mentally Active: Puzzles, Games, Discussion
As your loved one ages, it’s important to keep their mind active. Puzzles and games are a great way of doing this, as they stimulate the brain by encouraging memory and problem-solving. You can also keep them mentally engaged by discussing current events with them; this will prompt them to express themselves verbally and may help them recall memories in order to share with you.
Physical Activity: Regular Walks And Exercise
The most obvious way to improve your memory is through regular physical activity. This can be anything from walking around the neighborhood and doing simple yard work to more intense activities like running or weightlifting. Research shows that staying active throughout life can actually prevent cognitive decline by 12 years!
Keeping yourself busy mentally will also help keep you active physically. If you’re not sure where to start, ask yourself what you used to enjoy doing in your younger days? Could it be taking a class on something new? Would playing an instrument be fun again after so many years? Is there a sport or game that might be fun for you now at this stage of life? Think about all the possibilities and try them out! You may discover something new about yourself along the way—and challenge yourself by trying something beyond what feels comfortable for maximum results.
Diet: Eating Healthy Foods
Eating healthy foods is one of the best ways to prevent cognitive decline. The brain needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to function correctly. Make sure to include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics into your loved one’s diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are suitable for the heart, but they also play an essential role in developing neurons in infants and children (Zhao). Antioxidants have been found to slow down aging cells by preventing damage from free radicals that are produced during normal metabolic processes (McGraw). Probiotics can help protect against infection while fiber cleanses toxins from our bodies (Meyer).
Vitamins And Supplements: Brain Health Supplements
A wide variety of vitamins and supplements can help maintain brain health as you age. Some examples include:
- A multivitamin, with or without minerals, ensures your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs for optimal functioning.
- Vitamin E may have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease by reducing oxidative stress in the brain. Use only daily doses of less than 400 IU per day, as higher amounts are linked to increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain)
- Fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve memory and reduce confusion associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Look for products containing at least 1 gram EPA/DHA per day. These products should be used cautiously if you take blood thinners like aspirin or ibuprofen regularly because they may increase bleeding risk.
For best results: Take these items daily and don’t stop taking them until you’ve seen significant improvement in your loved one’s condition over several weeks—or months—of use.
Socializing: Encouraging Social Activities
Socializing is an important part of maintaining mental health. It helps you feel connected to others and lets you share your experiences, which is great for boosting self-esteem. It’s also a great way to keep your brain active. A healthy brain needs more challenging tasks than simply remembering where the remote control is hidden, so encouraging your loved ones to socialize may be the best way to help them stay sharp as they age.
