More and more Americans are being diagnosed daily with things such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia, yet there’s things that we can be doing that will decrease our chances of Dementia.
STAVING OFF DEMENTIA
One of the things in which you can do to decrease the likelihood of going down that road, would be to challenge yourself. Learning or participating in things such as speaking a new language, playing chess, music (piano is fantastic), or even doing something as simple as changing the hand you brush your teeth with will all challenge your brain in a different way.
The other big thing as far as staving off Dementia is that you need to stay socially engaged. Staying in contact and meeting regularly with friends or family, having meaningful conversations, hobbies, and activities are all things that research says prevents the chances of this disease.
Lastly, it’s crucial to challenge yourself physically. Our bodies are designed to move, and it’s vital to do some type of exercise or movement daily. We recommend interval workouts, where you’re bringing your heart rate up, and then instantly back down because variability is key. Steady state cardio, low-impact exercises (such as easy walks, biking, or swimming) are all fantastic ways to keep your brain sharp as well.
One supplement that I recommend for anyone, but especially those who are having issues with moods or memory, would be Omega-3 Fatty Acids, such as fish oil. Your brain and nervous system require healthy fats, so even foods such as avocados, regular butter, olive oil, nuts, etc. are all fantastic in helping keep you off the track of Dementia.
As always I would love to talk with you about living a better life or if you have questions about staving off dementia; feel free to call me at (616) 432-3103 to schedule an appointment so we can work together for a better you!