If you’re nearing old age, or have a family history of dementia, you’ve probably started to wonder, “What can I do to keep my mind healthy as I grow old?”
This question is often on my mind owing to my family history of dementia. It’s a wickedly difficult diagnosis, but cognitive abilities don’t change a person’s dignity. I’m grateful I got to witness all of my family treat our relative with dementia with great love and respect. All people with cognitive difficulties deserve such respectful care.
November happens to be Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, so you might also be thinking about how to keep your brain healthy too. Of course, there’s only so much we can do. Genetics and other factors outside our control play such a big role.
But it turns out there are certain things that do make a difference. Researchers have identified some straightforward strategiesto stave off cognitive decline as a person grows older.
Here are 7 things you can do now to protect your brain as you age.(You might be pleasantly surprised to find that you’re already doing some of them!)