Want to Keep Your Brain Sharp?
As we age, many of us may feel like we lost a step or two in terms of our cognition and memory skills. However, just as there are things we can do to improve our brain health; there are things we should avoid to protect it. To start with, some of the same things bad for our physical health are bad for our mental health such as lack of exercise and poor diet.
Moreover experts say we may also be missing some lesser known causes that contribute to a decline in cognitive health and impact our chance for better and happier aging. One of those things is too much negative thinking. The AARP reports several studies have found older adults who are more prone to negative thoughts and spend more time ruminating on slights and grudges are more likely to show a decline in memory and cognitive thinking. Researchers reported study participants who engaged in more negative thinkers had more amyloid and tau deposits in their brain, the biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease.
While we all experience negative thoughts from time to time, it becomes a problem when a person is way too focused on negative thoughts but there are things we can do to change this habit. One step is to make time to feel grateful each day or practice mindfulness using deep breathing exercises. Additionally experts say it helps to find fun things to do like start a new hobby or learn a new skill.
Another thing that can keep our brains sharp is to get routine vaccines. A recent study showed adults over age 65 who had received at least one flu shot, were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Another study showed a 25 to 30 percent reduction in Alzheimer’s risk for seniors who have had a pneumonia vaccination.
Other health habits helping to keep the brain sharp include a good night’s sleep, good oral care and moderating alcohol intake. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice ongoing memory and cognition problems.
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