While memory lapses are a common sign of aging, we don’t have to accept our fate as such. No matter our age, there are things we can do to help improve both short- and long-term memory.
Williamsbridge Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at five simple life adjustments you can make give your brain a boost.
- Spend Less Time in Front of the TV
The activities that engage your brain are just about endless, from reading and traveling to playing a board game or an app on your smartphone or tablet. But research consistently shows that watching television does not engage the brain and is associated with memory concerns.
- Get a Handle on Your Cholesterol
High-cholesterol and high-fat diets have been linked to increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Medication may help lower the risk, but bringing down your cholesterol levels naturally will offer several other benefits without the potential for unwanted side effects.
- Take a Multivitamin and Focus on B Vitamins
Taking a multivitamin is great for overall health along with memory function, as several different vitamins and nutrients contribute to brain health, but if you have concerns, talk to your doctor about taking B-vitamin supplements that give you 100% of the recommended daily value of B6, B12, and folic acid.
- Take Up Yoga
If you haven’t tried yoga, now is a good time to start. Even partaking in gentle yoga two to three times per week can improve your brain health, as studies found there to be truth to the mind-body element to the practice.
- Add a Burst of Speed
If you’re physically able, add sprints to your cardiovascular regimen. A study found that performing two sprints of 3 minutes in duration each time you do a cardio workout allowed people to memorize new words 20% faster than those who didn’t sprint. Researchers believe this is because more vigorous cardio exercise increases blood flow to the brain, improving memory and verbal learning.
To learn more about Williamsbridge Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://williamsbridge-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
