Americans are enjoying much longer lives, largely due to advances in technology and medicine. This means that people can be productive members of their community for much longer than in the past. However, longer lives have presented other problems, such as cognitive decline and impairment.
Age is the most significant factor for the nearly 16 million Americans suffering from cognitive decline according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of people ages 65 and older dealing with Alzheimer’s is already high, and this figure is predicted to only grow in the coming years.
The attorneys at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD want to help those caring for aging family members by providing information on how to obtain proper home care.
Ways to Improve Cognitive Health in Houston, TX
Fortunately, there are some lifestyle factors that can help improve brain health in aging adults:
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Sleep deprivation has been linked to cognitive difficulties in a large number of studies. It’s critical to get enough rest. To be properly refreshed, many individuals require 8 hours or more of sleep. But it’s not just about the amount of sleep you get. The quality of your sleep is also very important. If you feel you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your primary care physician about it and schedule a sleep study.
Go for a Walk
Staying active and fit is essential for improving your cognitive abilities and preventing or delaying cognitive decline. Exercise can improve your self-esteem and sense of well-being, which can help your brain function better. Walking, on the other hand, does far more. Walking helps to increase blood flow to the brain, which is beneficial to brain health.
Before beginning any new fitness regimen, speak with your doctor about any health issues you may have. Also, remember to ease into it at first and gradually build up to more strenuous activity.
Keep a Journal
In today’s society, the concept of journaling may appear out of date. However, this is not the case. Writing down all of your problems and then perhaps brainstorming solutions can be quite beneficial (and therapeutic). This process of writing down your worries can help you feel less stressed, which can help your brain operate better.
Proper Hydration
For decades, we’ve been told that drinking eight glasses of water each day is essential for overall health, including cognitive function. Most of us, however, do not drink eight glasses of water each day, and many of us are chronically dehydrated. We can assist flush different poisons out of our systems by increasing our water consumption. This adjustment in lifestyle will benefit both our physical and mental well-being.
Turn off the TV
We’re all looking forward to unwinding after a long day. Turning on the television is often the first choice for a peaceful evening. However, most television shows do not test your intelligence or make you think. Picking up a book instead of engaging in this mindless pastime might be useful. If you aren’t a huge reader, a crossword puzzle is another alternative. When you think and accomplish things, your brain gets stronger.
Have Conversations
Loneliness is a difficult aspect of the aging process. As individuals get older, their families may move away from them, and their friends and spouses may pass away. This frequently results in feelings of loneliness and isolation. Isolation, however, can hasten cognitive deterioration. As a result, it’s critical to seek out hobbies and social interaction. Look for clubs in your neighborhood that focus on the things you like. Another great approach to improve social connections while also benefiting your community is to volunteer.
Cognitive Decline Can Be Prevented
Aging is difficult, and one of the most important problems that many older Americans confront is cognitive impairment. Thankfully, cognitive decline can be avoided. Your lifestyle choices may raise or decrease your chances of developing these distressing symptoms. So, consider your food and exercise choices carefully, and schedule time for mindfulness exercises throughout your day. These easy measures will help you improve and increase your mental health.
Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD, and Nader Rabie, JD are here to help you make the most informed decision possible when selecting care for a loved one. Call us today at (713) 840-7200 to discuss your case.
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