The doctor tells how to prevent brain decline in old age – 5 tips

0

Dr Hilary Jones advises people on 'small ways' to reduce their risk of dementia, from dietary adjustments to brain stimulation.

“As we get older, it's really important to keep our minds active,” said Dr Hilary . “You can do this by challenging your brain with puzzles, reading books, learning new skills or taking drawing classes.”

Keeping your brain sharp doesn't have to be a part of MENSA, the world's largest and oldest high-IQ society, it can be as simple as connecting with loved ones. To protect the brain from toxins, it is also recommended to stay away from cigarette smoke and limit the effects of alcohol on the body.

“We know that smoking causes a lot of damage to the body, including the blood vessels of the brain and the heart,” explained Dr. Hilary. “If you smoke, you not only increase your risk of cancer and heart disease, but you also increase your risk of dementia.” you are exposing your brain to highly toxic doses of alcohol at one time. Your brain and liver will thank you for cutting back and spreading out your units throughout the week.”

In addition to removing toxins from your diet, you need to make sure it's healthy in other ways, to minimize the risk of dementia.

“A healthy, balanced diet that includes lots of different food groups, reasonable portions and not too many treats is a really great way to stay healthy,” said Dr Hilary. 'The Mediterranean diet is a great way to achieve this.'

Cholesterol charity Heart UK explained what the Mediterranean diet consists of, for example:

• Vegetables

< li>Fruits

• Legumes
• Nuts
• Flakes
• Grains
• Fish
• Unsaturated fats