Experts say maintaining brain health is a must as we enter our older years.
SAN ANTONIO — Advancements in technology have allowed researchers to better beat brain decline as we age, with more recognition of disease, but also better treatments. And, as we get older, keeping our eyes on our minds is essential.
The Alzheimer’s Association states nearly nine in 10 people say maintaining brain health as they age is very important, yet few know how to do it. Having a healthy brain recipe is a must as we enter our midlife years. So, how do you help your brain battle as best as it can? Keep your day-to-day health in check.
“So, physical exercise, nutritional guidance, managing their numbers, their heart health, their metabolic health, cognitive exercise, social engagement,” Dr. Heather Snyder, a Senior Vice Presidents for Medical and Scientific Relations said.
Increasing percentages of people with dementia-related brain degeneration is something Dr. Heather Snyder from the Alzheimer’s Association says needs to be recognized.
“Really getting to that point where the memory changes are impacting all of their activities of daily living, they may have something called mild cognitive impairment. So early memory changes that may impact some of their day to day activities,” Dr. Snyder added.
The National Institute on Aging says in adolescence your mind matures with enhanced brain connections. By the time we hit early aging in our 60s our brain becomes less effective. But between the two is adulthood, and in our 30s, 40s, and 50s our brains are relatively stable, but brain shrinkage begins affecting memory and complex thought.
“This is a time when we’re starting to worry about our cholesterol, right? Our blood pressure, our stress levels, our sleep, and all of that plays a role in our brain health,” Dr. Snyder said.
So, how can you tell the difference between normal aging, verses diseases that may be causing cognitive impairment?
“It’s changes of things that maybe you’ve always done, and then you’re starting to not just have it once one off here or one off there, but you’re actually seeing, changes consistently that are happening,” said Dr. Snyder.
The Alzheimer’s Association has a Brain Health Habit Builder to help you develop a personalized brain health plan.