Start incorporating these lifestyle changes today to protect your brain.
It’s never too early (or too late!)
Make sleep a priority
Not surprisingly sleep plays an important role in your brain health as you age.
Lack of sleep not only can affect your daily function, but it may increase your risk for dementia.
“Good sleep protects your brain by cleaning and refreshing the components,” says Dr. Bergman.
“The two most common sleep problems are insomnia and sleep apnea.
Aim to get seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night.
an hour before bedtime and avoid caffeine later in the day.
These changes are linked to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
It turns outthat brain gameslike crossword puzzlesprevent these age-related changes and improves cognitive function.
Crosswords not your thing?
It also improves focus by increasing neuroplasticity of your brain, " says Byakodi.
It may even promote better sleepa double whammy for a healthy brain.
Beyond the lifestyle choices above, your overall health can play a role in the health of your brain.
“Keep yourblood pressure,blood sugarandcholesterolunder control.
All three are related to forms of dementia,” notes Dr. Leong.
The good news is, all of the lifestyle factors noted above will help with these things, too.
But if lifestyle modifications aren’t enough, discuss medication options with your doctor.
Every healthy behavior adds up!
