Brain health of our seniors
Aging has a significant impact on the functioning ability of the brain health of our senior loved ones. As we age, our brain shrinks by almost 10% of its standard size. As a result, developing neurological and various mental disorders have become synonymous with old age. The various mental problems that haunt our loved ones include depression and dementia.
Ways of improving the brain health of our seniors
Our seniors live in constant fear of cognitive decline as they age. Stopping the onset of mental health conditions is the key to achieving good brain health. In addition, it keeps diseases at bay and promotes good physical health. Therefore, we should exercise, have good food, and avoid stress. All these are important for protecting it from the adverse effects of aging. Thus, the key to achieving good mental health includes the following:
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Exercising the mind
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Feeding the brain with nutrient-rich foods
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Keeping stress at bay
Tips and suggestions to help with brain health
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Exercise your mind
Exercise is essential for keeping our bodies healthy and fit. Also, exercising the mind is a great way to keep it healthy and prevent cognitive decline. Following are some of the ways to improve the mental fitness of our elderly loved ones:
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Memory exercises
This is one of the most effective ways of improving our brain health. Memory exercises can be as simple as remembering your grocery list and performing some simple mathematical calculations in your brain. All these activities serve as great fuel to your brain, which makes it active and prevents cognitive decline in the early years. Research has proved that the more your elderly practices brain exercises. The more you can ward off various mental disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
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Thinking games
Thinking games are a great way to activate brain cells and improve cognitive functioning. Thereby enhancing the memory of our elderly.
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Solve puzzles
Crossword games are another way to make your brain work. Solving puzzles makes your brain think. It also keeps you occupied for hours. So this one exercise helps to improve the cognitive ability of your brain. And also delays the effects of aging on mental health.
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Keep stress at bay
Stress seems to be the primary cause of depression and hampers emotional well-being. Keeping pressure at bay enables our elderly loved ones to enjoy good emotional health, improving their cognitive functioning. There are various ways by which we can help our elderly to keep their stress at bay.
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Meditation
Meditation is practiced by keeping a reference point, a single word, phrase, or picture. Concentrating on a single thing helps in improving focus. And thereby aids in keeping the mind calm and free from anxiety and stress.
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Be socially active
Being socially active has a positive impact on the emotional well-being of our loved ones. Promoting a positive feeling in life.
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Interacting with friends
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Participating in group discussions
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Taking an active interest in developing new relationships
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Sleep
Lack of sleep and improper rest takes a toll on the mental health of our elderly. With age, there is a significant decrease in the amount of sleep. However, sleep quality should remain unaltered so our elderly can enjoy peace of mind. Therefore, our elderly must get enough time to relax and practice methods that can allow them to get proper sleep at night.
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Nutrition
Researchers have pointed toward a strong link between mental diseases and nutrition. In addition, several researchers believe that while treating conditions like cognitive disorders. The key focus should be on the compounds in certain foods. Dr. Susan Taylor Mayne, a professor at Yale University. Says that the supplements we pop in now and then contain “out of the context nutrients.” But fresh produce includes vitamins and minerals. Along with other phytochemicals are necessary for our health. But also serve as a protective effect against diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
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More on NutritionGivenf this, our loved ones should treat themselves to some superfoods, which are highly beneficial for their brain health. Furthermore, a combination of nutrition with a variety of nutrients. They are more helpful in preventing Alzheimer’s Disease than isolated nutrients.
Superfoods that boost brain health
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Green leafy vegetables
According to a research study in the Journal of Food Science and Technology. Green leafy vegetables have a protective effect on diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Yet another study was published In the Journal of Nutrition Health Aging. States that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables decreases the risk of cognitive decline as one age. However, older individuals take blood thinners regularly. Therefore, you should avoid those green leafy vegetables high in Vitamin K. This is true in the case of some specific blood thinners and not all. You need to consult the doctor for more detailed information and make the best decision.
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Fish
It has many benefits if eaten regularly. It can do wonders for our cognitive functioning. Also, it has a rich source of omega – 3 fatty acids. Therefore, it significantly reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. As stated in a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. However, further investigations are being conducted to understand the role of omega–3 fatty acids in decreasing the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Fruits
Some of the superfoods are fruits such as grapes, pomegranates, and berries. They improve brain function. Berries such as blueberries have antioxidant properties. Their dark purple skin is also rich in flavonoids, which are again known to protect the brain against brain damage. Also, grapes and pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, which boost the brain’s power and protect it from oxidative stress.
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Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices are also essential superfoods for improving brain health. They also add flavor and color to the diet. A research study in the Journal of Central Nervous systems Agents In Medicinal Chemistry. States that the neuroprotective effects of herbs and spices improve cognitive create function.
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Chocolates and Coffee
Our senior loved ones love chocolates and coffee. And research states that their caffeine content does wonders in improving brain create function.
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Healthy oils
Olive oil has received much-needed attention owing to its various health benefits. The polyphenol content of olive oil improves cognitive functioning, furthermore, according to a study published in Nutritional Neuroscience. In addition, olive oils have a neuroprotective effect, protecting against aging, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Conclusion
Keeping our brains healthy can be hard at times. But, with the above tips and suggestions, you can stay as sharp as you can. Also, check out this post on the different stages of Alzheimer’s.
