According to an article written by AARP, we can never start too early to care for our brains. Physical activity is one #lifestyle factor that can greatly influence the brain and its ability to remember facts and events.
It is difficult to prove what is the best memory booster because the studies have to have such a high number of participants over a long period of time. The measures also need to be able to stand up to testing. So many of the factors that can affect #brainhealth can vary quite a bit.
A 2017 report by the National Academy of Sciences determined that physical fitness may be the best tool that we have to combat cognitive impairment and dementia. It is best to get some activity every day, meaningless sitting and more moving. A suggestion of 150 minutes of purposeful activity a week is helpful. This could be walking briskly, #swimming, riding a bike, and lifting weights. They suggest taking the stairs instead of an elevator when you can. Parking farther from the store is an easy one. They say it is never too late to start and there is evidence that the brain can become healthier in as little as six months. So, it is not too late to start.
As far as diet goes they suggest eating the Mediterranean. An overall eating plan would include whole grains, fruits, #vegetables, fish nuts, and olive oil. They suggest cutting back on the red #meat.
They cited a 2017 study of almost 6000 people in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society that said people who ate the Mediterranean diet had a 35 percent lower risk of cognitive impairment than those who did not follow this diet. Scientists are finding that our brain and our heart have similar needs.
Friends and family that offer positive support and who can coach us seem to help keep us active. Learning new things is always more fun when we can do it in groups or with a few friends. It is also a new way to make friends. When we are learning new things, we are not only being social, but we are working our brains.
And lastly, managing our blood pressure is important. When we don't do this, we can damage small blood vessels in the brain. Be sure to talk to your doctor to find out how you can control it.