Preventing Memory Loss
1. Medical Treatment
As advances in medication and care evolve and research continues to progress, treatments toward health conditions start initiating and leading to greater value. In the case of dementia, early dedication of genetic mutation may allow physicians to prescribe or implement a medication regimen, ultimately to prevent, reduce, or delay associated symptoms.
2. Embrace A Nutritious Diet
Diet plays a large role, if not the greatest, in all aspects of health. Current research continues to advocate the Mediterranean Diet not just for its benefit to heart health, but its significant link to reducing memory loss risk. A well-balanced diet can ultimately reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, subsequently protecting against stroke, a large risk factor of dementia. Additional valuable foods and vitamins for memory can be found here.
3. Consistently Exercise
A sedentary lifestyle may not only contribute to weight gain and additional associated consequences, but has the potential to raise the likelihood of dementia. Living a more active lifestyle, even if just a little, may help stave off dementia by increasing blood flow to the brain.
4. Workout Your Brain
Preventing memory loss expands much more than physical activity. You can even do it in the comfort of your own home without the need of tying up those tennis shoes, as mind stimulation exercises can nurture a well-functioning cognition. Brain activities can include puzzles, card games, arts and crafts, cooking, and and even organizing.
5. Sleep
Mentioning the necessity of achieving adequate sleep may seem contradictory with all this talk about staying active. However, sleep essentially acts as a “reset” button on a nightly basis and faulted patterns may transcend into not only short-term feelings of tiredness, but long-term impendences on memory and cognitive function.
6. Protect Yourself
Although accidents happen and living in a bubble is not realistic to combat against them, try to proactively protective yourself. Considering brain injury is a large risk factor for dementia development, wear that helmet, seatbelt, life vest, or any type of recommended harness advertised for self-protection.
7. Build and Maintain Social Networks
In all stages of life, building and maintaining social networks has great impacts on mental health. While it is known staying social can improve brain vitality, data further connects the link with dementia risk. Whether it be based on strong personal relationships, cultural activities, or emotional support, research shows social engagement lessens the likelihood of dementia development. Stay social in the workplace, out in the community, or by traveling.
8. Stop Substance Abuse
Abusing alcohol, cigarettes, or any other type of harmful substance causes more than immediate consequences to the brain. Excessive alcohol is associated to an increased risk of memory loss while smoking can reduce valuable oxygen supply to the brain. Illicit drug or medication abuse can also manipulate and change brain chemicals, ultimately running the risk of compromised memory.
