A number of studies in recent years have suggested that vascular diseases–heart disease and stroke–may contribute to the development of dementia.
Don’t smoke or abuse alcohol.
According to a recent research report from Harvard Medical School, \”Improving Memory: Understanding Age-Related Memory Loss,\” smokers perform worse than nonsmokers in studies of memory and thinking skills. Heavy alcohol use can also impair memory.
Get regular exercise.
Physical activity may help maintain blood flow to the brain and reduce risk factors associated with dementia.
Maintain healthy eating habits.
Eating vegetables may help slow down the rate of cognitive change in adults. Of the types of vegetables, green leafy vegetables had the strongest association with slowing the rate of cognitive decline. Also reducing foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol and eating fish with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna, may benefit brain health.
Maintain social interactions.
Social interaction can help reduce stress levels and has been associated with a lower risk of dementia. Get out from that computer parking space once in a while.
Keep your brain active.
Some experts suggest that challenging the brain with such activities as reading, writing, learning a new skill, playing games, and gardening stimulates brain cells and the connections between the cells, and may be associated with a lower risk of dementia.
And, once again, don’t forget what you just read!