It’s National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and while scientists and doctors haven’t yet found a cure for Alzheimer’s, they have developed a much greater understanding of the disease with each passing year, wherein they believe certain habits can help to slow the onset or progression of the disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive mental deterioration, often occurring in middle or, more commonly, old age, affecting the brain and thinking, memory and behavior. Here are some of the best habits to foster a healthy brain:a
GET A HANDLE ON YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE. Hypertension has been associated with an increased risk in both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
STAY SOCIAL. An active social life and a strong network of friends may help prevent Alzheimer’s.
MEDITERRANEAN DIET. What’s good for the heart is also good for the brain! The Mediterranean diet rich in fish, nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and olive oil has been linked to a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s. Eating at regular intervals also helps you to maintain consistent blood sugar levels. Refined carbohydrates high in sugar and flour spike your glucose levels and inflame your brain.
RED GRAPE SKINS. The grape skins in one glass of red wine or purple grape juice protect brain cells from the negative effects of oxidative stress and beta amyloid.
EAT OMEGA-3s. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may be linked to a lower rate of Alzheimer’s through regular consumption.
EAT MORE FRUITS & VEGGIES. In a study of Japanese-Americans, it was found that drinking fruit and vegetable juices was associated with a decreased incidence of Alzehimer’s in the decade following.
EAT BERRIES. Berries contain high levels of biologically active compounds called anthocyanosides, which fight memory impairment associated with free radicals and beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
GET YOUR SLEEP. Regular, restorative sleep is crucial to help your brain perform at optimum capacity.
FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTS. High levels of homocysteine have been associated with poor cognitive function, and reducing homocysteine with folic acid may increase your cognitive function.
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