GENERATIONS
24 Wednesday, January 11, 2023
The Forum
Habits that affect cognitive health Various changes to appearance and health are associated with aging. Issues such as diminished vision, waning muscle strength and gray hairs are among the more common and noticeable side effects of aging. Cognitive decline is another symptom often associated with aging, even if that needn’t be the case. Certain lifestyle choices can protect against cognitive decline and dementias. While there is no surefire way to prevent dementias, here are some good habits for maintaining cognitive function well into your golden years.
Exercise frequently
Harvard Health reports that exercise, in addition to the many other benefits it provides, may help improve cognitive function
in people who have already experienced memory issues. Exercise may be particularly advantageous to people who carry the APOE4 gene variant, which makes people more susceptible to Alzheimer’s. Speak with a doctor about how much exercise is needed and what is safe for your age.
Enjoy video games
Playing a favorite video game may improve long-term cognitive function. Researchers at Cambridge Brain Sciences found study participants who played non-cognitive-training video games were associated with better performance in several cognitive domains, but only for younger (age 18 to 64) participants. Cognitive training games, on the other hand, were not associated
with any cognitive improvement.
Stay socially engaged According to a study published in the journal Experimental Aging Research, seniors who have high levels of social engagement also have better cognitive function. Getting together with friends, participating in a club, attending religious studies, and any other activity that gets you out with other people can help with cognitive function.
Eat a healthy diet
Mediterranean diet appears to lower the risk or slow the progression of dementia in people who have the condition.
Eating a diverse array of healthy foods is beneficial. Nutri- Get help for sleep tious diets can help reduce the risk for illnesses that may affect disorders Lack of sleep can affect memcognitive ability. Eating well also ory and learning. By getting help helps keep the brain healthy. A
for sleep disorders, you may reduce your risk for cognitive issues. While it is not possible to prevent or cure cognitive conditions like dementias with lifestyle changes, certain behaviors can lower the risk of developing these illnesses or reduce their severity.
How to help a loved one who’s suffered a stroke Has a loved one of yours suffered a stroke? You may feel at a loss for how to support their rehabilitation. Here are some suggestions for helping them regain their autonomy.
Learn about strokes
Document the physical and emotional changes that may be affecting your loved one so you can better understand their needs. It’s possible they may suffer subsequent strokes. Therefore, knowing how to intervene quickly will help both of you. Learn how to recognize signs and symptoms, like speech
difficulties or weakness on one side of the body, so you’ll be prepared if the need arises.
Go with them to rehab Your loved one’s rehabilitation begins as soon as their condition becomes sufficiently stable. It includes tasks and exercises recommended by the various healthcare professionals overseeing their recovery. Join in on those activities to make it a little more fun and keep your loved one motivated.
Take care of yourself
Helping a stroke survivor can
take its toll on your wellbeing. It may even become a physical, emotional and financial burden. Although your role in your loved one’s rehabilitation is essential, it’s also crucial that you not neglect yourself. You can unburden yourself of some worries simply by confiding in a friend. Seek extra help from another family member or community organization. Even spending time on a hobby can be restorative. Visit heart.org to learn more about stroke, join a support group for caregivers and get more self-care tips.
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