How can you make sure your mind stays fit and sharp as you
grow older? Most people have heard of doing “mental gymnastics” such as
crossword puzzles and math problems in order to stimulate new connections
between nerve cells. But there are various other more surprising ways you can
help ward off age-related memory loss. Here are just four of them below.
1. Watch nature
documentaries. A recent study found that people who watch nature
documentaries actually score better on language skill tests than those who
completed online tests and other brain games.
Those who watched nature
documentaries also reported having less stress and a greater quality of life.
Even so, researchers said that brain games still could be useful for some
people.
2. Keep cholesterol
levels down. A study from 2009 found that even moderately high cholesterol
levels in your 40s put people at greater risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. It
appears, according to researchers, that what benefits the heart also benefits
the mind. Therefore, you can reduce your risk of getting dementia by lowering
your cholesterol. The study is part of a larger body of research that focuses
on the importance of addressing dementia risk factors in midlife. (In addition,
a separate study found that obese middle-aged people experience a more rapid
mental decline than those who aren’t obese.)
3. Take care of your
teeth. Believe it or not, it also may be good for your mind. A recent study
showed that good oral health care was associated with a lower risk of dementia.
Researchers followed nearly 5,500 older people for 18 years and discovered that
those who brushed their teeth less than once a day were up to 65 percent more
likely to get dementia than those who brushed every day. As a result,
researchers advised people to floss and brush daily.
4. Drink green tea.
A study from 2012 showed that green tea can boost cognitive abilities —
especially in men. Although only a dozen people were evaluated, the study was
the first to use MRI technology to see exactly what impact
epigallocatechin-3-gallate (ECGC), a flavonoid in green tea, has on the brain.
But many recent studies have found green tea to protect against Alzheimer’s and
positively impact the mind.
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