University of Louisville neurologist Robert Friedland has revealed six things he does every day to keep his brain sharp. He explains that with the increase in cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, it’s more important than ever to keep your head in shape.
Dementia is a disease of the brain that affects our ability to carry out normal daily activities. Characteristics of the disease are poor memory, ability to orientate, disappearing words, and behavioral changes. It’s a myth that you can’t do anything on your own to avoid Alzheimer’s. Brain researcher Ole Peter Heel and clinical nutritionist Tine Mijlbo Sundvor are authors of Food for the Brain where they share advice on what you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a scary disease, and it is one of the most common forms of dementia.
Respect how important your body is. Instead of turning on the TV or opening the newspaper, starting the day with meditation can improve your mental health. Neurologist Robert Friedland tells the Daily Mail.
He points out six things he himself does to keep his brain in top shape.
1. Diet
Vegetable fiber is the key to good brain health. This is because fiber has been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain.
Inflammation is a direct cause of cognitive decline and conditions such as dementia. Avocados, oats, broccoli, artichokes, and lentils are among the foods that you can eat to get a good amount of this.
In addition, the neurologist avoids processed foods, beef, pork, and chicken.
– Chicken does not contain fiber, so when you eat chicken, you are eating something that has no value for your microbes or gut bacteria, he tells the British newspaper and suggests that you can replace the chicken with vegetables such as spinach, okra or carrots.
If you want meat, he recommends fatty fish, like salmon.
2. Make friends
Social activities such as hiking, tennis, and walking with friends are social and meaningful activities that are good for the brain.
Surveys of studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness are among the most significant risk factors for cognitive impairment in older adults.
Depression caused by loneliness can be a precursor to a decline in cognitive abilities.
Socialization can stimulate attention and memory. When you laugh and talk, your brain is working hard.
3. Get out into nature
Being in nature also contributes positively to your brain. A study published in the journal Current Spending time in Nature improves memory, cognitive flexibility, and attention.
4. Use dental floss
Good oral hygiene can also improve cognitive function.
Results of a 2021 study indicated that regular flossing can prevent dementia. The researchers in this study said that each missing tooth increases the risk of developing a cognitive condition.
Tooth loss and periodontal disease are also associated with hippocampal shrinkage. The hippocampus is the part of the brain responsible for memory and Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Get eight hours of sleep
– Friedland says sleep is an important part of brain health.
Sleep helps the brain form memories and process new information. When you sleep little or poorly, a buildup of the protein beta-amyloid occurs. Recent research indicates that a buildup of this protein impairs brain function and can cause Alzheimer’s disease.
Sleep also increases brain plasticity, which is its ability to adapt to new experiences and situations.
6. Make time to meditate
– I meditate every day, and I think it is very important to maintain peace of mind. Friedland says meditation is an opportunity each day to let your mind calm down.
He practices mindfulness meditation where he brings his attention for 30 minutes each day to the present.
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