The good news: A half-dozen strategies have been proven to combat age-related mental declines and dementia. These strategies may even slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, according to many of the nation’s leading mental-health specialists.
According to studies, we are basically developing dementia to some degree or another from age 40. As people reach 40, we see lots of early dementia, loss of metabolism, loss of energy in the brain, and then people forget, their judgment’s impaired studies show.
These trends can be reversed by using a six-step strategy to maintain a healthy mind and body — a prescription for healthy living that research shows can reverse and even prevent age-related mental declines.
No. 1: Exercise. The first step is always to look at your weight - it turns out that obesity is very dementia causing. There are a lot of women that are thin, flabby — or what we call normal weight obesity. They have normal weight but they are still obese because they are not fit. Thus, the basic rule is you really have to exercise an hour a day.
No. 2: Sleep: You have to sleep…seven hours every night. Studies have shown that about 30 million Americans have chronic sleep problems, which increases the risk for heart disease, depression, and other serious health problems. Many resort to sleeping pills, which carry risks when taken long term. A better options is resorting to mild sleep-inducing alternatives like chamomile tea and managing stress.
No. 3: Mental function. Anxiety, depression, addictions, and other mental-health disorders can increase the risk for developing Alzheimer’s later in life, many studies show. That is why it is critical to manage such conditions effectively with antidepressants, therapy, and other mental-health strategies.
No. 4: Early testing. It is recommended that you work with your doctor to determine your “baseline” cognitive abilities, memory, verbal IQ, and judgment skills. A brain scan can also provide details on how well your brain is functioning. In addition, you might consider memory games that you can find on the internet or your smart phone.
No. 5: Diet and nutrition: Eating a healthy diet is critical to maintaining your mental edge as you grow older. I would suggest the Mediterranean diet (Mediterranean diet), drinking lots of green tea, and avoiding sugary high-carb processed foods as much as possible.
No. 6: Natural hormones. As we age, our levels of natural hormones decline. That is why it is important to consider bio-identical hormone supplements, if you are deficient.
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