These lifestyle changes can slow the decline of your memory
We all know that certain habits are good for our health. But did you know that there are some lifestyle changes that can decrease the risk of getting dementia? Researchers found that there are some habits that might actually slow the decline of your memory. And they’re pretty easy to incorporate into your lifestyle!
Healthy diet
This is kind of a no-brainer but we wanted to mention it anyway. The food you eat influences your health. And this doesn’t mean you should only eat certain kinds of foods, like some diets suggest. Researchers found that if you incorporate at least seven out of the twelve food groups into your diet, it can have some significant benefits for your health. It can play a really big part in slowing the decline of your memory! So, make sure to eat a varied diet and don’t exclude salt, fat and sugar. Make sure you eat a little of everything instead of only one type of food.
Cognitive activity
If you want to keep your memory from declining, you need to keep your brain active. And the way to do that, is by doing cognitive exercises. Cognitive activity was the second best way to slow the decline of your memory. So, all you have to do to stay cognitively active, is read a book, write or play some cards twice a week. Or you could take it to the next level and enroll in a new class. All you need to do is activate your brain. That will reduce your risk of getting dementia.
Regular exercise
This one is also kind of obvious, since we all know the benefits of exercising. But regular exercise is actually the third best way to slow the decline of your memory and reduce the risk of getting dementia. And all you need to do, is exercise for 150 minutes a week. seventy-five, if you do a more intense workout. It’s easy as that!
Social activity
Social interaction is important. Not just to feel connected and to keep from feeling lonely, but also because it can actually keep you from getting dementia too. If you participate in social activities at least twice a week, it’ll have some great benefits for your health. Especially your memory! Activities you could partake in are going to parties, attending meetings or gatherings and visit family or friends.
Alcohol
If you want to protect your memory, you need to stay away from alcohol. Because alcohol does not do you favors when it comes to your memory. So, if you want to fight the decline of your memory; extend your Dry January and make it a Dry Every Month instead!
Smoking
Another bad habit that could be affecting your memory in a negative way, is smoking. We all knew that smoking increases our risk of getting long cancer and we don’t have to tell you that smoking just isn’t that good for you. But we didn’t know it could also negatively impact your memory! All the more reason to quit!
Luckily, you don’t have to apply all these lifestyle changes right away. The study found that people who already incorporated four to six of these habits in their life, were 90% less likely to get dementia. People who only changed their lifestyle in two or three of these areas were 30% less likely to get dementia. Dr. Susan Mitchell, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, told The Guardian: “This is a well-conducted study, which followed people over a long period of time, and adds to the substantial evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help to support memory and thinking skills as we age. Too few of us know that there are steps we can all take to reduce our chances of dementia in later life.”
Also read: Why An Innocent Habit Could Be Increasing Your Chances Of Getting Dementia
Source: The Guardian | Image: Unsplash, Alex Blajan