June is Alzheimer’s and Brain awareness month. Although Alzheimer’s cannot be prevented, adopting healthy eating and lifestyle habits can reduce your risk of cognitive health decline and positively contribute to brain health.
Facts About Alzheimer’s: It is the most expensive disease in the country. Woman, African-Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk. Alzheimer’s is is more than just memory loss. It is not “Normal” aging. It is a progressive and fatal disease that attacks the brain. Early detection matters. It allows someone to take advantage of available treatments, clinical trials and plan for the future. Alzheimer’s is fatal, there are no survivors.
Who’s At Risk? Everyone that has a brain is at risk to develop Alzheimer’s! This was authentically portrayed by Julianne Moore in the 2014 film, Still Alice. Miss Moore portrays a renowned linguistics professor at Columbia University who must come face-to-face with a devastating diagnosis: early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
What Can We Do About It? As we age memory can decline. But there’s a lot we can do to maintain a healthy brain. Alzheimer’s disease begins as an inflammatory process in the brain, so anything you can do to control inflammation will give you an edge here.
Train Your Brain
💜 Break a sweat
Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
💜 Hit the books
Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online. Study a new language or play music.
💜 Butt out
Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.
💜 Hug your heart
Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke — obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes — negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.
💜 Heads up!
Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.
💜 Fuel up right
Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.
💜 Catch your Zzz's
Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
💜 Take care of your mental health
Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.
💜 Buddy up
Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community — if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an after school program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.
💜 Challenge yourself
Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain. Stay Physically Active!!
💜 Take Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most effective nutritional supplements in existent and is the #1 herb when it comes to powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Remember, an inflamed body has an inflamed brain.
💜 Take Supplements
A favorite supplement of Dr. Suz Heals is Alpha Brain from Onnit. Clinically studied to help healthy individuals support memory, focus, and processing speed. For 10% off your purchase and a free E-book click and follow this link: Alpha Brain
Brett’s Bottom Line: Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. Start now. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits!!
To discover more about Alzheimer’s disease Visit www.ALZ.org.
About the Author: Brett Cohen is a Functional Aging Fitness Specialist, Senior Fitness Trainer and Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle coach. He can be contacted at: www.fitnessbydesign.nyc
Brett Cohen Golf Fitness Instructor & Fitness Over 50 Authority http://fitnessbydesign.nyc/ http://nygolffitnessguru.com/
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