It’s estimated that about one in nine Americans will suffer from cognitive decline from the age of 65, and if you’re getting up there in age and you want to reduce the symptoms, know that there are plenty of things that you can do. This is not something only seniors or people approaching senior age should worry about, however. Everyone should think about cognitive decline, and the sooner you start caring for your brain, the lesser the chances that you’ll have to deal with things like Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other forms of cognitive loss when you get older. Here are some helpful habits for maintaining cognitive health.
Have a Healthy Social Circle
People often don’t realize how important having a healthy social life is when you get older. This is not only so you can ward off boredom and have people to have fun with; social connections are what keep brain connections healthy.
Many studies have shown that social isolation can have a very bad effect on the brain, even in young adults. But it can have an even more detrimental effect on seniors. So, if you’re older and you don’t like socializing, you might want to start right now for the sake of your brain.
Eat Better
Food has such a profound impact on cognition, and the food you put into your body can affect things like memory, reaction speed, clarity, and focus. You need to have a diet full of antioxidants, healthy fats, and good protein for your brain to stay healthy. Be very careful with your intake of meat too and try to stay away from heavily processed food as much as possible. You need to pay very special attention to things like nitrates which can be found in most cold cuts and things like hot dogs.
You can also look into supplements as there are plenty of supplements out there that have proven to support brain function. There are supplements for mitochondria support that will both help maintain brain cell integrity and boost energy. You can also look into things such as Omega 3s, ginkgo biloba, L-Theanine, Tyrosine, and resveratrol, just to name a few.
Sleep Better
Sleep is extremely important for the brain, especially for people who are starting to feel the signs of cognitive decline. Not everyone knows this, but a lot of toxins accumulate in the brain, and it’s during sleep that the brain gets rid of these toxins. One of these toxins, amyloid beta, is directly linked to higher risks of Alzheimer’s and is mostly expelled from the body during sleep. So, you will need to look at your sleep hygiene and see how you can tighten it up.
You need to get at least seven to nine hours of quality sleep every night for good cognitive health. Develop the habit of going to sleep every night at the same time and cut out any screens at least two hours before going to bed. This is because electronic screens emit a kind of light that can disrupt sleep cycles.
Also, try to keep your room between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit. The body automatically enters sleep mode at these temperatures, and if you don’t have a smart thermostat, now would be a great time to invest in one.
Also, be very careful not to drink coffee at least four hours before going to sleep, and don’t drink alcohol as a nightcap. It might seem like a good way to fall asleep, but the quality of your sleep will be affected.
Cognitive health should be a priority for anyone, and if you want to keep your brain healthy and performant for years to come, follow these tips. Everything starts by looking at your daily routine, seeing how it helps or hinders your brain’s health, and making corrections where needed.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
