Exercising, maintaining social connections or playing brain training games are some of the techniques to stimulate the brain and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Exercising your brain with activities can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- This could be through board games or brain training, through physical activity or through learning new skills.
- Meditation also helps preserve the brain, as does maintaining social connections.
It is impossible to know the exact causes of Alzheimer’s disease. However, several studies have highlighted effective prevention methods to reduce the risk of developing it. On the Cleveland Clinic website In the United States, Sandra Darling, osteopath and specialist in preventive medicine, takes stock of the different ways of protecting memory.
Alzheimer’s disease: games are good for the brain
Games are not just for kids. According to the specialist, there are a multitude of fun activities to work memory and stimulate the brain.Brain training programs are designed specifically to improve mental performance, but in reality, any game or puzzle that involves strategic thinking can stimulate and engage the brain.”explains Dr. Darling. These could be Sudoku games, card games, or chess. In 2013, a US study showed that brain training through games improved memory, reasoning, and thinking speed. Even five years later, participants were still better at managing everyday tasks, such as budgeting, than those who had not participated.
Physical activity helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
According to Sandra Darling, regular physical activity increases blood flow and oxygenation to the brain. This helps keep your mind sharp, no matter what the discipline.But above all, stick to this active lifestyle, she warns. 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, such as brisk walking, may protect against cognitive decline.” To further enhance the benefits of sport, she advises combining sport and reflection.While you walk on a treadmill or run on the sidewalk, challenge yourself to name as many states as possible.she suggests. This dual commitment allows you to work on balance and cognition.
Meditation to prevent dementia
Mindfulness and meditation also have beneficial effects on the brain. A group of scientists showed that practicing mindfulness for 27 minutes a day increased the density of gray matter in the hippocampus after eight weeks. This area of the brain is shrunk in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Meditation also helps improve concentration, deeper sleep, better mood, and contributes to general well-being.
You need to learn new things to stimulate the brain
“New skills create new connections between brain cells and strengthen existing connections, says Dr. Darling. When we engage in stimulating activities, especially activities that require some brain power, it is exercise for the brain..” This helps prevent cognitive decline. It could be learning a new language, a musical instrument or even taking up gardening.
Social life is linked to healthy brain function
For the specialist, it is necessary to maintain social relationships to maintain good brain health.Social isolation is a modifiable risk factor for dementia in adults over 65 years of age, she warns. Isolation has detrimental effects on mood and cognitive function. By staying physically, mentally and socially active, you can improve your brain health, no matter your age.”
Whatever technique you choose, to preserve your brain health, it is essential to start quickly.The earlier you start, the more likely you are to reduce your risk” warns Sandra Darling.
