Change Your Lifestyle, Change your mind

Last month we reviewed some lifestyle habits which may help to prevent the onset of Alzheimers. This month we continue to look at a few ways we can change our lifestyle to help change our mind.

Connect Socially Humans are highly social creatures and don’t function well in isolation. Develop and nurture a strong social network. It is a priority for both mental and physical brain health. Face-to-face connection with those who care about you and whom you care about is helpful. Connect with those who stimulate your mind.

Learn New Things I have read, learning a new language or a musical instrument as you age can help stimulate connections in your brain. Pick something you’ve always wanted to learn! Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

“Recent research shows, people who are obese or overweight at age 50 could be at an increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s at an earlier age.” This goes hand in hand with exercising and eating well. Reducing sugar is a good start as it is linked to chronic disease. Substitute one can of pop for carbonated water. I drink sparkling water, which comes in flavours such as Root Beer, Ginger Ale and Cream Soda. How many calories? ZERO!

Changing your lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight. I recommend starting small. For example, if you’re trying to get more active, take a walk on your lunch break. I recommend to all my clients they make one substitution a day. Instead of drinking a can of pop, have carbonated water. Instead of watching TV after dinner, go for a walk around the neighbourhood. Small, consistent changes will bring long-term benefits.

*https://ca.style.yahoo.com/alzheimers-risk-increases-dangerously-doing-111437625.html