How Neuroplasticity Impacts You
Two facts are true: 1 in 2 adult Americans 65 and older will develop the beginning’s of dementia by the year 2030 AND every thought or action you have alters your brain. It is constantly changing. The brain you had yesterday is different from the brain you have today, based on what you did today. This is good news for dementia because by altering our thoughts and actions, we may be able to slow the development of Alzheimer’s, and any dementia.
I could be wrong, but what if I am not? It is, after all, our very life and the quality of it, that we are considering. What if, by learning to use our brain more, and increase it’s functionality by forming new neurons that connect to each other, we can slow down the process of incapacitation and aging?
Lifelong learners, as a general rule, prolong the onset of Alzheimer’s. What makes them different? They are constantly learning, engaging their brain in new and novel ideas and actions. They may not like change, but they are not afraid of it. They are not paralyzed by new concepts, fresh ideas, or Millennials.
Any form of dementia describes the symptoms that people face with memory loss and concentration, language skills, and clear thinking. It may come from injury, a disorder, or may be genetic (Huntington’s Disease). In any case, improving brain function increases better connections in the brain, which may help dementia.
Alzheimer’s begins in the brain stem. As it moves into the brain, it travels to the hippocampus, the memory center. This is where we notice Aunt Frannie has trouble with remembering things. It moves on to the frontal cortex, where thinking is confused and language isn’t happening.
But here’s some things we can do to decrease our chances of dementia:
- Regular aerobic exercise. Skipping, bicycling, dancing. Just MOVE.
- Low glycemic diet. More fiber, less sugar
- Work on preventable diseases like obesity, Type II diabetes, hypertension, and smoking
- Get enough sleep, 7-9 hours
- Omega 3s: eat more fatty fish
- Reduce your stress level
- Brain fitness games, any coordination, all life long learning endeavors.
So put on your dancing shoes, roll up your sleeves, and do everything you can to keep dementia from developing in your brain.
That’s Aging Intelligently