Keep Your Brain Healthy

Keep your brain healthy.. You only have one, right?

Here’s some things to consider for brain health and brain function.

1. Stay away from being negative, ruminating, grudges, and resentment. Besides messing with your mood, it has been linked to cognition and memory in people over 55. (Alzheimer’s * Dementia Journal).   To Do:  When feeling down, make a list of things your are grateful for. Take some deep breaths. Say goodbye or “cancel” when a negative thought pops up.  I have a friend that uses “Cancel, Cancel, Delete, Delete.”
2. Limit the sugary beverages that you are drinking (including alcohol). Studies show that it can have a negative impact on memory and brain volume. Sugary drinks can also spike blood sugar, which in turn may trigger chronic inflammation of the brain.
3. Shoot for healthy sleep habits. That’s a whole post in itself. Just try for 7 to 8 hours per night, limit pre-bed digital activity, limit stress as much as possible. Be aware of symptoms of sleep apnea which effects oxygen supply to the brain when you are sleeping
4. Lower the volume on your headphones. Crazy huh?   There was a study that showed of 639 adults ages 36 to 90, mild hearing loss was associated with a nearly twofold likelihood of dementia. 
5. Make sure vaccinations are up to date.  (No Politics intended)  I’m not talking about just COVID. Studies have shown that for people between 75 and 85, influenza vaccination was associated with a reduced likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease (Paul Schulz, MD with Univ. Texas Health Science Center). Also, people ages 65-75 with the pneumonia vaccination had a 25 to 30 % reduction in their chance of developing Alzheimer’s.
6. Have a sense of purpose. The good news is that as we get older, we have less people relying on us. Kids become more self-sufficient and we retire.  But the freedom from responsibilities can be a negative too.  We need a reason to get up, feel productive, and have a sense that our actions still count. According to the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago, people that scored higher on a purpose-in-life assessment, were approximately 2.4 times more likely to remain Alzheimer’s-free.  Do your brain a favor. Take on some responsibility. Get on the Board of your Homeowners Association (LOL. That came to mind because I just did it), volunteer at a charitable group of your choice or something like the SBA or PTA. Take on a fun job. Find a new opportunity to use time and energy on a passion project or travel.  

And of course, eat healthy, exercise frequently, and reduce your stress.  Easy right?