As you get older you may notice that it’s harder to remember things, and as you age there is always the potential for developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, Amen Clinics notes that memory loss or “brain fog” isn’t normal. In fact, there are several things that you can do right now to lower the potential for developing memory loss issues.
Mitigate Alzheimer Risk Factors
The first risk to be aware of is being exposed to stress. When hormones related to stress are released in your brain they can negatively affect brain function. They also lower your immune system, putting you at risk for illness. One way you can address stress in your life is using medical hypnosis, which can help to calm down your brain and reduce the release of those hormones.
Another risk factor is undiagnosed attention deficit disorder or ADD. We often associate ADD with children, but people can go through their whole lives having the condition but never receiving a formal diagnosis or treatment. Impulsivity can mean a less activity in the prefrontal cortex.
If you don’t exercise a lot, or at all, that is an additional risk factor that increases depression, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Exercise helps, as you get older, to bounce back from medical conditions too. Incorporate exercise at least 45 minutes a day for 4-5 days each week.
Finally, you put yourself at greater risk for dementia and related conditions by not continuing to learn. Your mind is a muscle, and like any muscle, if it isn’t used and flexed it atrophies. Interestingly, research shows that if you spend most of your time using electronics and media your IQ suffers and can go down 10 points over the course of a year. Playing games, playing music, and continuing to learn will help with dementia prevention.
Want to learn more about risk factors related to Alzheimer’s and dementia? You can read the full article here: Daily Habits That Can Lead to Depression and Dementia.
