Follow-up – Ali Mualla:
Research continues to show the impact positive lifestyle changes can have on brain health, so the Alzheimer’s Association recently put together simple steps to take to prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
In this article, we will look at the most important daily habits that protect you from Alzheimer’s disease:
1. Avoid brain injury
Make sure you wear a helmet when cycling or playing contact sports, and a seat belt in the car and work to prevent falls.
2. Challenge yourself
Challenging your brain has both long and short term benefits for your brain and can include anything from solving a puzzle to drawing or playing cards.
3. Eat a balanced and healthy diet
Eating green leafy vegetables and following certain diets, such as the MIND diet, have been shown to help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Sleep well
People with sleep disorders or who don’t get enough sleep have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.
5. Stop smoking
Studies have shown that quitting smoking can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Set a date for cardiovascular exercise
Cardiovascular exercise, such as running or swimming, increases blood flow to the brain and increases heart rate.
7. Stay social
Continue to participate in daily life with friends and social activities that interest you.
8. Treat depression
Those with a history of anxiety and depression have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s, so speak to the right doctor.
