Dementia

The term "dementia" refers to loss of brain function due to age or disease. One of the most noticeable symptoms of this disease is memory loss. In the past, there wasn't much hope for someone who was "going senile". However, research now suggests there are things the affected person can do to fight back. Most of these methods involve diet, exercise, and keeping the brain active.

I'm not going to discuss the medical aspects of dementia on this page. Instead, I'll explain what you need to know: the habits and behaviors that help keep the brain in top shape.

One of the most important things you can do is stay active mentally. According to Wikipedia,

Intellectual activities such as playing chess or regular social interaction have been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's Disease in epidemiological studies, although no causal relationship has been found.

But there are other things you can do too. Here are my top recommendations for anyone who wants to take action to preserve their memory, reasoning, and thinking ability as they get older:

• Play challenging games every day. Brain games help keep your mind strong and active. "Use it or lose it," as the saying goes. Chess, crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, bridge, sudoku - all are effective.

  There are even games designed specifically for seniors. For example, Karen Miller has created unique memory jogging puzzles and card games from Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post artwork.

• Play online brain games. Online brain games can keep your mind active too. Play the free brain training games on this site, or join a brain training service like Lumosity (the service I use).
• Start a new hobby. Try something outside your usual comfort zone that requires learning and creativity. Any type of craft where you design and make things will work.
• Join a club. Social interaction helps keep your brain sharp. Become a member of a club that meets often.
• Eat antioxidant foods. Age-related mental slowness is partially due to the destructive effects of oxidants on your brain cells over time. Antioxidant foods (green tea, blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, whole grains, etc.) fight this damage and help your brain cells function efficiently.
• Take fish oil every day. Carlson's pharmaceutical grade liquid fish oil is the brand my family and I use. Fish oil contains essential omega-3 fatty acids that your body cannot make. These fatty acids are an important components of brain tissue.
• Exercise every day. Research indicates that aerobic activity can stimulate the growth of neurons (brain cells) in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory. In addition, cardiovascular fitness improves the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain.

There's no guarantee you can prevent dementia. But by consuming a healthy diet, keeping your mind active, and making other healthy choices, there is a chance you can delay it or make the symptoms less severe.

You want to keep your smarts as you get older? Take care of your brain!

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