1. Keep active physically. Exercise and physical activity that increases your heart rate maintains healthy blood flow to your brain, cheering on the growth of new brain cells.
2. Eat like a healthy person. Low-fat, low-cholesterol
diets right in antioxidants like colorful fruits and veggies, grilled fish, oatmeal, beans, yogurt, turkey, leafy greens, garlic and nuts can contribute to lowering cholesterol, which helps fight Alzheimer's.
3. Stay socially involved. If you interact with others regularly, your stress levels may stay lower than those who are loners. Lower stress levels contribute to healthy connections among brain cells.
4. Keep doing mental chin-ups. Read a book on a topic you've never studied before, work harder
Sudoku or crossword puzzles than you're accustomed to, play a challenging game such as Scrabble or Dizzios, and have a stimulating, analytical conversation with a close friend. These activities stimulate and exercise the brain and may even create new nerve cells.
5. (mine) Talk for life, not death. The writer of Proverbs says, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue." If you lose your car keys or forget your favorite uncle's name, instead of saying, "Oh, I guess I'm getting Alzheimer's," say, "I will find those keys-Lord, please lead me to them," and "I know I know his name; it will come to me."
Use the power of words to your advantage, to strengthen your brain, not weaken it. Don't buy into the popular idea that you have to go downhill mentally as you age. Think positive, eat and act positive, and speak words of faith over your brain, and you will fight dementia and Alzheimer's and WIN!
Which one of these dementia-overcoming tips are you going to implement into your life today?
awesome tips, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFour out of five isn't bad. I've got to work on the healthy eating part. I love sweets way too much.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanette! I like the one about not speaking negatively about the whole thing. I think everyone who makes it to a 'certain age' worries about losing mental agility. My MIL had dementia, as well as my grandfather.
ReplyDeleteI find doing crosswords daily helps, and I really think writing and speaking does too. You challenge yourself to express ideas, and that's not always easy!
Have a blessed Wednesday :)
Ceil
Susan: That is my one downfall, too! I'm trying to cut back this year, so my brain has a fighting chance!
ReplyDeleteCeil: I like your writing and speaking idea--it's very true!
Jen