Mounting research shows that, like your body, your brain needs exercise and good food to keep it in good working order. One recent study in the online edition of Neurology found that elderly people are 2.6 times less likely to develop Alzheimer's or other dementias if they are cognitively active. There are also other lifestyle habits that reduce your chances of getting the disease. Here are a few tips to keep your brain on the go.
• Maintain a heart-friendly lifestyle. Don't smoke. Keep a healthy body weight, control your blood pressure and cholesterol, and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, especially those high in fibre and rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. These habits are also good for your brain.
• Get a good night's sleep and get treated for sleep disorders. Sleep is very important for memory as well as mood.
• Keep physically active. A good cardiovascular workout, such as cycling, brisk walking or dancing, increases blood flow and may promote growth of new brain cells.
• Manage stress. Chronic stress can actually shrink parts of the brain. Try relaxation exercises and make time for yourself.
• Challenge your brain. Read a book, play chess or bridge, learn a new language or do puzzles. Cultural activities, like museums, plays and concerts, are not only entertaining, but they also enrich your brain.
For more information
To learn more about Alzheimer's disease and about other dementias, contact the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
I highly recommend the following books, most of which are available at Chapters stores across the country.
• The 36-Hour Day (The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006, $16.95) by Nancy L. Mace.
• Learning to Speak Alzheimer's (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2003, $29.95) by Joanne Koenig Coste. A companion to The 36-Hour Day, this guide helps Alzheimer's patients live as independently as possible.
• Voices of Alzheimer's (LaChance Publishing, 2007, $21.95) edited by The Healing Project. Caregivers tell their stories of caring for family members and patients with the disease.
• New Hope for People with Alzheimer's and Their Caregivers (Prima Lifestyles, 2002, $28.95) by Porter Shimer. This book provides information about the disease, treatment and care.
I also recommend the movie Away from Her, directed by Canadian Sarah Polley. Released in 2006 and starring Gordon Pinsent, Julie Christie and Olympia Dukakis, it's about a woman struggling with Alzheimer's disease. The movie is based on the short story "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" by celebrated author Alice Munro.
Read more: Exercise fights Alzheimer's disease.
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