How Can We Protect Our Brains from Declining as We Move into Old Age?

Lifestyle factors are important. For example, studies have shown reduced cognitive decline amongst older people who walk regularly. By exercising for a fit body, you also benefit from improved blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, which improves mental acuity, balance and motor skills as well. Exercise also causes the release of “feel good hormones” or endorphins.  Some depressed people benefit so much from exercise that they are able to forgo their antidepressants, which are sometimes the cause of memory problems. Another benefit of exercise was seen in a study where it  was found that the brain produced significantly more of an important brain cell protein growth factor after exercise, increasing mental acuity and memory.

People who eat a lot of leafy green vegetables and eat fish at least once a week have also been found to show reduced cognitive decline with aging. Another important finding is that sugar can be a cause of memory decline. Studies have shown reduced blood supply to the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus, an area involved in memory formation, after a high sugar meal resulting in a blood sugar spike. This is a finding that has been seen in diabetics. It is therefore very important to watch your diet and to control diabetes.

Social factors can also be important. Older people who live with a spouse or other family members and who have a lot of human interactions tend to do better both in terms of physical health and cognition than those who are more isolated in old age. Adequate sleep is also important for maintaining mental clarity, acuity and memory. It may sound like old fashioned advice that your grandmother may have given, but it's scientifically backed by extensive research. Weight control is another very important factor in maintaining a healthy brain and memory. New research has shown a strong link between obesity and cognitive and memory decline

Cognition is sensitive to a wide variety of nutritional factors, and modern nutritional science is uncovering that we can improve our mental powers effectively, and even powerfully, through a wide array of nutrients and supplements, including antioxidants, herbs, fats and other targeted dietary supplements.A November 2008 review in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association pointed to benefits of a variety of bioactive nutritional supplement ingredients (often called nutraceuticals) in slowing age-associated memory impairment.  Vitamins B, C and E and the botanical brain boosters Ginkgo, Ginseng, Pomegranate, Alpha lipoic acid, rhodiola, Vinpocetine huperzine and acetyl-L-carnitine were found to be especially effective

The brain is not a separate organ from the rest of your body. How you treat your body also affects your mind. By exercising regularly and consistently for a fit body, by watching your diet and weight, and taking brain boosting neutraceuticals, you can enjoy a fit mind that has you functioning to your highest potential every single day.