Ideas to Stay Mentally Sharp Later in Life

Alzheimer's is a disease that affects around one in eight elderly individuals in the United States. It is one of the top leading causes of cutting life short and extremely difficult to manage, especially for those family members whom are connected to it. There are actions that can help to lower the risk of getting it and stay mentally sharp.

1. Get Plenty of Physical Exercise. Find a physical activity that is fun for you like walking, bicycle riding, swimming, or dancing. Try to make sure to move your body at least 30 minutes each day. Exercise is helpful because it stimulates new brain cell growth.

2. Take Part in Social Activities Interacting with other people stimulates your mind and wards off harmful psychological problems like depression. If your social circle is small, try to meet new people by volunteering, attending education programs, becoming involved with helping neighbors, or joining a book club. Joining a book club also has the advantage of encouraging you to read. Reading on a regular basis can improve your focus and your memory.

3. Spend Some Time on Puzzles and Games Puzzles and games are a great way to give your mind a workout. Working a jigsaw puzzle challenges the right side of your brain that deals with visual-spatial memory. Playing card games or board games like Trivial Pursuit helps you maintain focus and prompts you to remember events in both the distant and recent past.

4. Eat a Brain Healthy Diet Try to incorporate fresh fruit and leafy green vegetables into your meals and snacks. These foods release antioxidants that refresh the brain. Good fats should be taken in, nuts and fish are great sources. Learning to eat foods that are good for your body can also help you manage chronic medical problems like diabetes and high cholesterol.

5. Catch Cognitive Problems Early If you suspect you are becoming forgetful or having more trouble concentrating than usual, see your doctor right away. If you are diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, there are medications and dementia coaching programs that can help you maintain your current level of functioning for years. It's important to take the health of your brain just as seriously as you do for your body. The suggestions above will help you keep mentally fit no matter what your age. Take action today to have a better future tomorrow.