Best ways to keep your brain sharp as you age
“I may be beginning to disappear.” That’s how having Alzheimer’s disease is described by Julie Christie’s character Fiona in Away From
Her. It’s a reality shared by more than 6 million North Americans and their families. To combat this crisis, the U.S. government has said it will find a way to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s by 2025.
That’s great, if true. But 13 years is a long time to wait, especially if you’re at risk for or caring for someone with this disease. (From diagnosis to death is five to 12 years, depending on age at diagnosis and general health.) So, here are a few tips to keep your brain young.
Control blood pressure. Reduce brain strain and boost oxygenation: Keep your blood pressure at or below 115/76.
Manage stress. We are passionate about getting 12 minutes of meditation daily.
Be smart. Exercising vigorously 20 minutes three times a week increases the memory centre in your brain by more than 20 per cent in three months. And 900 milligrams of DHA omega-3 daily can help the elderly with early brain dysfunction to make their brains six to seven years younger.
Brush, floss and go to the dentist. Blocking the immune system’s reaction to gum disease helps your brain.
Get plenty of vitamin D3, coffee and curcumin (found in the spice turmeric). Get 1,000 IU of D3 daily from food and supplements. And if you like coffee and curcumin, these help remove brain cell poop, but that’s another column.
Clearly, treating your brain right keeps you sharper! Ask health questions at doctoroz.com. Drs. Oz and Roizen are authors of YOU: Stress Less. Order it at StarStore.ca