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. Continue reading ‘How Can We Protect Our Brains from Declining as We Move into Old Age?’ »