Brain Health is the key to Elder Health

We all face that moment when we forget where we put our keys or what we were just going to say, or do, and we panic. Is this the beginning of Alzheimer’s? Has elder dementia begun?

While forgetfulness in middle age and early elder-hood is a normal experience, many times it is just a circumstance of stress, exhaustion, or a lack of the nutrients and exercise that your body needs to keep your mind alert.

While currently there is no way to prevent a disease such as Alzheimer’s from manifesting if one is genetically predisposed, there are many ways to ensure that your brain remains agile and cognizant for as long as possible. Maintaining brain health should be a goal for all of us as we age with confidence.

Eating foods rich with nutrients that feed the brain, increase blow flow, and reduce vascular restrictions is one important way to maintain brain health.

Foods rich in antioxidants such as dark skinned fruits and vegetables, eggplant, red peppers, beets, broccoli, spinach, green leafy lettuces, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and my favorite antioxidant, dark chocolate, are all great brain food.

Omega three fatty acids found in avocados, nuts, olives and olive, canola and peanut oils are great for the brain. As are coldwater fish like tuna, mackerel, trout, anchovies, herring and salmon.

Supplements like vitamins B-12, E, E and folate may also help maintain a healthy brain. Be sure to check with your physician before you take any nutritional supplement.

Check out this month’s Tips From Toni for a mouth watering brain rich dessert for the whole family to enjoy.

Exercise is instrumental in maintaining good heart health, which increases blood circulation, and feeds the brain with the blood and oxygen it needs to stay healthy, encouraging the growth of new brain cells.

Gentle aerobic exercise like walking, biking (with a helmet), Yoga or Tai Chi, dancing, or a good game of golf will keep you feeling fit while you feed your brain. The coordination required to do various forms of exercise also supports proactive brain activity that will help keep your thought processes nimble and quick.

Other thought provoking exercises include, card games, puzzles, and cross word puzzles. I know a 96 year old man who each day makes hundreds of words out of a single word, as a game he enjoys that keeps his brain sharp and his verbal skills current.

Take classes at the local community college or online as a way to keep your brain active. Staying social is also very important. Be sure to spend time each day with other people. Join a club, spend time with friends in the park, or volunteer at a local day care or elementary school.

Great foods, fun games, interesting activities with friends and refreshing exercise are enjoyable ways to keep your brain healthy, and your life full of adventure and enjoyment.