Post Date December, 03 2023
Generally speaking, as we age, our bodies inevitably age. "But the rate of aging of the brain varies from person to person, and there are many things we can do to improve the health of the brain, but many people do not know how to maintain or improve it.".
Some people have early problems such as forgetfulness and limited thinking abilities, while some elderly people maintain active learning abilities, memory, and mental health. Even some people increase their knowledge, wisdom, insight, and judgment as they age and experience, and their brain health improves. So, what behaviors in life can delay brain aging and help us stay young?
The following six methods can promote brain health
physical exercise
Aerobic exercise is good for brain health, and combining strength training may be better.
Actively socialize
Participate in social activities such as volunteering, playing cards, attending church services, or talking to friends.
Conduct intellectual activities and use the brain frequently
Mental activities, including reading books, writing letters, and learning new languages, are beneficial to promoting brain health.
Keep your heart healthy
What is good for the heart is also good for the brain. Hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes have an impact on brain health, especially for middle-aged people. "Blood pressure lowering drugs can help prevent brain problems, while it is unclear whether cholesterol lowering drugs can improve brain function.".
Healthy diet
Although specific dietary methods have not been proven to maintain or improve brain health, the Mediterranean diet and the Blood Pressure Reduction Diet (DASH diet) have demonstrated that eating less meat, eating more nuts and beans, whole grains, vegetables, and olive oil have certain brain benefits. Some studies have found that in fatty fish ω- Fatty acids can help improve cognitive abilities, such as salmon. Mild or moderate alcohol consumption (less than 240ml per day) has certain benefits for the brain, but excessive alcohol consumption can cause certain brain damage.
Maintain good sleep
Research has shown that sleep quality is associated with poor cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, also pose a higher risk of memory problems and dementia in older adults. Improving sleep quality may contribute to brain health in later life.
Brain Health Expert Dr. Sanbo
The key to maintaining brain health is to exercise regularly, participate in intellectual activities, and maintain adequate sleep. In addition, some poor living habits and drugs can lead to cognitive decline.
Several things harmful to the brain
Certain drugs
The American Geriatrics Society's Beers Criterion (AGS) lists drugs related to cognitive decline and mental disorders in elderly people. The report indicates that strong anticholinergic drugs (including antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and some antidepressants) and benzodiazepines (such as diazepam and alprazolam for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia) are associated with mental disorders, dementia, and cognitive impairment. "We're not saying we should stop taking them," said Dan Blazer, an emeritus professor of psychiatry at Duke University, the main participant in the study. "But we need to be careful about their side effects."
depression
Depression is closely related to Alzheimer's disease in middle and late life. Preventing and treating depression is an important aspect of improving the quality of life of the elderly.
Loss of hearing and vision
Hearing and visual problems are associated with cognitive problems and should be treated as soon as possible.
pressure
Not only can daily stress cause memory problems, but long-term stress is also associated with rapid decline in brain health. The report found that methods to reduce stress, such as meditation and mindfulness, may be helpful, but further research is needed to prove it.
Mental Disorder and Hospitalization
Between 30% and 50% of mental disorders can be prevented, which is closely related to brain health in later life. Hospitalization is often the main source of stress for the elderly and is also related to intellectual decline. Some good methods, such as helping patients get good sleep, controlling pain, and replenishing water, have been found to reduce the negative effects of mental disorders and hospitalization.
