Tips To Avoid Dementia

Dementia is a medical umbrella term that is used for several neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases will often have some important distinguishing symptoms which include memory loss and impaired cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia but it is not the only one. If you want to reduce your chances of suffering from one of these diseases then you should try the following tips according to Dr. Harold Hong, a Certified Psychiatrist and medical director at New Waters Recovery.

1. Staying Active

Exercising and staying active can help increase blood flow. This helps the body grow new brain cells and helps maintain the brain capabilities and brain cells’ survival rates. There are many other positive effects associated with exercise as well. These include reduced stress and better sleep.

2. A rich Diet

Having a diet rich in many different types of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and even whole grains is what will help your brain get the nourishment that it requires. The Mediterranean diet specifically, which is rich in fruits, legumes, vegetables, and healthy fats such as fish and olive oil has been shown to have positive effects on cognitive abilities.

3. Keeping Mentally active

Much like one needs to exercise physically one also needs to exercise mentally. This does not mean sitting down and solving mathematical equations, but rather spending time socializing. Socialization stimulates the brain and encourages it to stay healthy by processing more information.

4. Sleep

Sleep has been shown to have many positive effects on cognitive functions. At the end of the day getting a good night’s sleep helps restore the body and calm the brain. This helps it also stay healthier in the long run.