|
|
| Look after yourself
|
| Train your brain to be healthy and prevent dementia
|
|
|
|
We are used to being told we need to look after our bodies through healthy eating and exercise, but keeping our mind healthy is often overlooked. With over 342,000 Australians now suffering from dementia, it's more important than ever to focus on keeping our brains healthy as well as our bodies.
Mums often talk about "baby brain", which is all very well if you're pregnant or have a small baby, but when you're still talking about it when your kids turn 10 or 18, then you may want to have a think about how to give your brain as well as your body a bit of attention.
We are overloaded generally. Constantly thinking about kids, home, work, renovations, ageing parents, money and all sorts of other things that affect our lives on a daily basis.
Our brains can only take so much. So yes, we zone out, forget why we just walked into the bedroom, go out with our tops on inside out… that's quite normal, but once you start doing it more and more, or struggle to remember words, do basic mental arithmetic or remember what you had for lunch, then you need to start giving your brain a bit of exercise.
Our brain is our most vital and valuable asset. Like teeth and hearts and other vital organs, it needs to be protected and kept healthy our entire life.
While most of us won't get Alzheimer's, this incredibly tragic disease is increasing as our population increases. It actually accounts for around two thirds of dementia in elderly people and around 4% of people with Alzheimer's are under 65.
And even though you may not be able to entirely prevent it, research shows that with regular brain exercise we can certainly reduce the risk of dementia in later life, keep our brains healthy for longer and prevent dementia from setting in early.
Being brain healthy is particularly important once you reach middle age as this is when changes start to occur in the brain. To lead a brain healthy life you need to look after your brain, your body and your heart - the earlier the better.
Alzheimers Australia has developed a dementia risk reduction program which includes 5 Simple Steps to Maximise Your Brain Health.
Step One - Look after your heart
Step Two - Be physically active
Step Three - Mentally challenge your brain
Step Four - Follow a healthy diet
Step Five - Enjoy social activity
What else can you do to avoid dementia
Take the 21 Day challenge
There's never been a better time or reason to start doing the things you love. Research suggests certain lifestyle and health factors are good for the brain, body and heart and can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Fancy yourself a budding artist, chef or photographer? Always dreamt of speaking fluent French or mastering an instrument?
The 21-Day Challenge asks you to pledge a commitment to your brain health and spend the next 21 days enjoying a new experience. Take a positive step towards brain health and encourage your friends to join you!
Take the challenge, see what you can achieve and give your brain some exercise.
Click here to join the challenge.
|
|
|
|
|
