Researchers are learning a lot about how to keep our brains healthy, sharp and more resilient to dementia later in life. In fact, about 45% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by improving daily habits.
“We want to encourage you to be your own brain health champion,” says Mehrnaz Gill, MSG, the Amazing Place Clinical Training Director. “That’s why we offer free in-person and virtual presentations on a variety of brain health topics as well as workshops and series on Memory Preservation and the Aging Journey.”
Evidence-based suggestions from Amazing Place experts include the following:
Stay social.
Isolation is bad for your brain. Engaging with others is one of the very most important things to keep your brain sharp. So, reach out to your friends, join a club, church or group with like interests.
Sleep reboots our brain.
Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to brain health. Deep sleep pushes debris from our brain and allows us to wake up mentally refreshed and ready to go.
Little tricks help you keep sharp.
From changing driving routes to putting your watch on a different wrist, you can jumpstart your brain. Try brushing your teeth using your opposite arm. And switch out games you play with new ones periodically. Little changes in routine habits can make a big difference!
Get your hearing and eyes checked.
Research shows us that hearing and seeing well are keys to keeping our brains engaged. So don’t delay annual check-ups, and get glasses or hearing aids if needed.
Women are 5x more likely to get Alzheimer’s.
There are physical and social reasons for this, but by adapting healthy lifestyles, women can help level the playing field. Eating well, exercising, staying social and sleep are key components in memory preservation.
“There are so many ways to help protect ourselves to live brain healthy and more productive lives,” says Gill. “We encourage everyone to learn more about cognitive health and to know that even with a diagnosis, it’s possible to slow progression of the disease and find paths forward for a purposeful life.”
For more information on our Day Program and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions, or to register for upcoming classes and workshops go to www.amazingplacehouston.org.