We all know how important the brain is to our lives. The “Control Center” of the body dictates to the body its functions without skipping even a nanosecond.
Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly destroys the parts of the brain where memory and thinking skills are housed. Eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks is void. In most people with the disease, late-onset type symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Recently, however, early-onset Alzheimer’s is appearing more frequently.
It’s important at an earlier age to take the corrective steps to stave off this disease. Preventing and managing high blood pressure, managing blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, quitting smoking and avoiding excessive drinking, preventing and correcting hearing loss, and getting enough sleep are all part of the matrix that doctors believe assists in staving off the disease.
Equally important is challenging your brain…
Cross-train your brain
What’s something you’re not good at doing? Work to improve it and give your brain some flexibility. Try a variety of challenges instead of sticking to one in a particular area. Even better, take on an entirely new skill. Jump onto Duolingo and learn a new language. Stimulate your brain.
Play games that involve your mind
Playing is important when we are young, and it is equally important as we age. Of course, the play is different. Now, brain-challenging games are critical to our brain health.
Examples of brain-challenging games can include chess, tabletop games, video games, word and number puzzles, jigsaws, crosswords, sudoku, and memory games. For games on your computer, your tablet, or your phone, find games where you can play and interact with other people. Especially good are crossword, sudoku, and word search puzzles.
Anything that engages your mind, processes information, and develops your thinking skills is good for the brain and for reducing your risk.
