3 Tips for a Healthier Brain
“Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a specific type of memory loss that progresses into Alzheimer’s disease at a rate of 12-15% per year, if no preventive measures are implemented.” – Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation
Did you know that over 5.5 million people of all ages are living with Alzheimer’s?
Although there are no known cures for this condition yet, scientists have researched different ways to help prevent Alzheimer’s. The good news is that these activities are so simple and enjoyable that you may have already adopted some of them into your lifestyle.
1. Follow a balanced diet.
Your diet is critical to your brain’s health. When you follow a balanced diet, you’re not only doing good for your body, but you’re also supporting and enhancing your memory.
The standard western diet is full of unhealthy foods that can leave you feeling sick and tired. Making the switch to a diet that includes more nutrient-dense foods will have you feeling much better, as well as improve your overall brain health.
Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation recommends a diet consisting of 20% “good” fats, 40% lean proteins, and 40% complex carbohydrates. For example, consider using extra virgin olive oil and enjoy an avocado to get your healthy fats. Eat lean proteins like fish, chicken, turkey, and soy daily. Lastly, be sure to get your complex carbohydrates in with fresh vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
To learn more about healthy food options to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, review AlzheimersPrevention.org’s research on diet and supplements.
2. Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50%.
While exercise may sound like an intimidating activity to some, the truth is there are plenty of enjoyable exercises for every unique taste. Walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, gardening, and dancing are just a few fun ways to get your blood pumping and your brain healthier.
Our Alzheimer’s research suggests that 150 minutes per week of a combination of cardio exercise and strength training yields the best benefits when looking to maintain cognitive fitness with age and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Learn more about exercise for brain health at ARPF’s non-profit website.
3. Socialize with friends.
Humans are social creatures, so having positive interactions with loved ones often can nurture you in many ways. Aside from reducing your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, socializing can also alleviate your stress and help you live longer.
Consider joining a group to socialize with like-minded people. For example, joining a hiking group or yoga class can be a great way to meet new people and get some exercise in at the same time.
In conclusion, stay proactive in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease by having fun and staying active as you age.
Incorporating these 3 activities into your regular routine will help keep your brain healthy throughout the aging process and help in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
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Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation is a leading global Alzheimer’s disease (AD) prevention organization, funding some of the most significant integrative medicine research on Alzheimer’s prevention, while providing educational outreach to laypeople, healthcare providers and caregivers on the 4 Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention®. Our research has been published in the prestigious Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as other significant medical journals, such as The International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Psychiatry Research, Nuclear Medicine Communications and Consciousness and Cognition.
ARPF is a charitable organization registered in AZ, CA, CT, FL, IL, MD, MA, MO, MI, NJ, NM, NY, OH, NC, PA, RI, TX, VA, WA, WI. In FL, ARPF’s registration number is CH-31726 under s.496.411(3), F.S.