Mental decline isn’t inevitable as you age. From diet to activities, find out what you can do to keep your brain in shape.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
You know when a word or name is right at the tip of your tongue, but you just can’t come up with it?
When that slip of the brain happens at age 20, you might overlook it.
When it happens at 70 or 80 – it can cause concern that it might signal a decline in cognition, which refers to the ability to think and remember, among other things.
In a survey of people 50 and older, 87 percent listed staying mentally sharp as their top concern.
The key to staying sharp as you age lies deep within your brain.
Inside are billions of nerve cells, or neurons – more than the number of stars in the galaxy.
Every time you meet someone new, read a book, or learn a song, that network of nerve cells activates.
Electrical signals speed from one neuron to another. When you repeat the activity, the same set of neurons fires again and again, until it’s coded into your memory.
As you get older, certain parts of your brain may naturally shrink, and communication between neurons may be reduced.
But you continue to lay down new brain connections as you age. So older brains can learn new tricks. They just may need more time and concentration to learn.
To preserve cognition, you need to keep working your brain, just like you work your muscles. Exercise is a good way to strengthen both.
A walk, bike ride, or other physical activity gets your blood pumping, which supplies your brain with oxygen and nutrients, stimulates new connections, and enlarges your memory storage.
It may also improve cognitive reserve, which is the brain’s ability to compensate for age-related decline.
Mentally stimulating activities that interest you like learning a new language also work your brain. Every time you try something new, you forge new connections, especially if that new activity takes time and focus to learn.
Controlling your blood pressure is important as well. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the brain and lead to damage that interferes with memory and thinking.
You can also help protect brain cells with a healthy diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids… such as fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, and vegetable oils.
Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga may relieve stress, which can affect memory.
And getting out with friends, volunteering or joining a club can combat loneliness and the stress it causes, which can be bad for your brain.
Remember to follow these steps to stay sharp, and your brain will thank you!