Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior, and develops over the years. Among the factors that increase the risk of suffering from Alzheimer's are:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Depression
- Little cognitive activity
- Alcohol consumption and smoking
However, measures can be taken to counteract Alzheimer's . Thus, you prevent cognitive deterioration and, therefore, delay the onset of this mental disorder.
Exercise your memory to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's
- Maintain a healthy diet. Includes omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Also, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit the consumption of sugars and saturated fats.
- Avoid chronic physical and mental stress. This causes damage to cells in the hippocampus and brain, while triggering other health complications.
- Meditate! Practice techniques like:
- Spiritual fitness . It is important to cultivate high levels of psychospiritual well-being. These involve acceptance, independence and socialization and reduce Alzheimer's symptoms.
- Have a sense of spirituality . That is, discover and understand the purpose of your life. A high level of consciousness and cognition reduces and delays the onset of Alzheimer's.
- Yoga . It is as effective as memory training. It improves connections between brain regions and can optimize memory in older people.
- Do physical exercise. Exercising several times a week improves mental health and maintains cognitive functioning in older people. The reason is that it promotes blood circulation, oxygen and increases protective chemicals in the brain. In addition, it prevents cardiovascular diseases, helps strengthen bones and muscles, and reduces stress. Obviously, it can help keep Alzheimer's at bay.
- Mental stimulation. Perform challenging activities that include multitasking, communication, interaction, and organization. For example: learn a new language or play an instrument. Read newspapers, books or magazines. Memorize words or short stories. Also, put together puzzles, solve riddles and play strategy games. With these activities it is possible to control Alzheimer's.
- Social commitment. Have a network of friends. Direct contact and social and mental stimulation strengthen connections between nerve cells in the brain. Join a club or social group. Attend group classes. Be a volunteer. Organize outings with your friends to the movies, museums or public places.
In addition to feeling happier and more active, the benefits of incorporating these activities into your daily life are:
- Positive changes in brain and memory function, cellular health, gene expression and well-being.
- Reversal of memory loss in subjects with subjective cognitive impairment and mild cognitive impairment.
- Improve and increase the ability to concentrate.
- Free your mind from habitual limitations, fear and anger, to reshape it towards positive thoughts.
- Positive effects on the nervous system, because neuronal connections are developed.
