Preventing Cognitive Decline As You Age

Minor mental slip-ups with increasing age or in the middle age are common, and typically harmless. According to the CDC, one in nine adults aged 45 or above report confusion or memory loss occasionally. The catch is to be able to tell the difference when such slip-ups are normal and when they aren’t. This article aims to discuss some ways to protect against cognitive issues as you get older.

The process of aging varies from person to person. But generally, if you take care of your brain you can ensure its upkeep for decades. But if you neglect it, you’re more likely to experience issues- mild to serious cognitive problems- over time. The scientific advancements on the lines of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have given researchers opportunity to delve deep into the most complex organ in the human body and obtain new knowledge, which will pave the way to identify more powerful and effective ways to protect the brain.

Some warning signs that warrants a check-up with your doctor:

1. Your memory or other cognitive issues is interfering with your ability to carry out activities of daily living, such as cooking, managing finances, etc.
2. The changes happen all of a sudden
3. You are noticing the changes following an injury or illness that affects the gray cells.

According to assisted living Anthem facilities, if you experience these signs, get a consult with a neuropsychologist to chart out a course of action.

When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, prevention is the best bet in view of no solid cure as yet. A healthy lifestyle comprising daily exercise, a healthy diet, sleep can cut your risk of developing these conditions. Adopting healthy lifestyle measures will allow the brain to stand up to some of the normal changes that are common as you get older and some issues that one must be genetically predisposed to develop.

It must be noted here that our behavior all through our lives has an impact on how our brain ages, in the same way it affects our physical well-being with increasing age. As per studies, health conditions during childhood and midlife, such as heart disease and conditions that increases risk for heart disease like diabetes, obesity and hypertension, predict how the brain will take shape in older adulthood. This highlights the importance of maintaining healthy behaviors (as you give up sedentary behaviors) throughout the life to cut risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of brain degeneration with increasing age. This also goes to show that so much is under our control only if we capitalized on it. It is important to remember that exercise and sleep are game changers when it comes to the health of your brain. Aside from that, a brain-healthy diet devoid of trans fat also influences your brain health. Another vital component to keeping your brain in top shape is by challenging it in a variety of ways, for example, mixing Sudoku with some type of hobby like learning a new language or something else.