How to Slow Down Cognitive Decline

Keeping your brain active can slow down cognitive decline, which is a normal part of aging. It's a good idea to do activities like playing games, reading books and doing exercises.

Physical activity also has been linked to a reduced risk of dementia, Alzheimer's and vascular disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

Exercise

There is a strong and growing body of research suggesting that physical exercise can slow down cognitive decline in older people. Studies have shown that exercise can promote cognitive health by increasing the production of new neurons in various brain areas, and that it can protect the aging brain from damage caused by neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

The benefits of physical activity include weight control, reduction in chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, improved strength and flexibility, increased endurance, enhanced mood, and more. It also lowers blood pressure and improves sleep, all of which can improve brain function and concentration on daily tasks.

In addition, a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that people with mild cognitive impairment who regularly worked out at an intense level showed better performance on memory tests than those who did not exercise. The researchers believe that the results may have been caused by a combination of exercise and social interaction, which has been linked to positive cognitive outcomes.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can slow down cognitive decline, which is a common condition associated with aging. It's important to include foods that are rich in nutrients, including protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

Vegetables are a key part of a dementia-fighting diet. Non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are a great way to boost your intake of antioxidants and other phytochemicals that protect the brain.

Eating a variety of different fruits and vegetables is also important, as they contain high amounts of fiber, vitamins and minerals. You should eat a minimum of five servings per day of vegetables and fruit, and you can add more if you enjoy them.

Dark leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce and kale contain a number of compounds that are linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline. These include lutein, niacin, folate, phylloquinone and kaempferol.

Social Interaction

There's a reason why social interaction is considered to be an important component of health and well-being: Strong social connections can slow down cognitive decline in several ways. For instance, being more connected to friends and family can reduce stress levels and the feeling of loneliness.

In addition, social activities can boost memory and attention. Moreover, these activities may also help you manage your emotions and stay healthy overall.

One of the best ways to ensure that you maintain strong social connections as you age is by engaging in regular community activities such as volunteering, interest groups, or social clubs. These activities can stimulate your mind and keep you active as you grow older, slowing down the rate of your cognitive decline.

However, social interaction research is still relatively new and there are some methodological issues that need to be addressed. This is especially true if we want to assess whether social engagement can augment cognitive function or delay disease onset.

Medication

Medications help slow down cognitive decline in some people living with Alzheimer’s disease. These medicines are called anti-amyloid treatments and work by attaching to and removing beta amyloid, a toxic protein that forms plaques in the brain.

These drugs are often given in tablet, capsule, liquid or infusion form. Typically, these drugs are given every two weeks to help slow the progression of dementia.

But the medications can also cause side effects. These side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach or lack of hunger.

The side effects can go away after a few days and usually do not affect the way you feel or the amount of medication you need to take. Those who are taking these medicines should consult their doctor, pharmacist or nurse to find out if they are experiencing any problems.

Lecanemab is an experimental drug that has been developed by Biogen in the US and Eisai in Japan. It targets amyloid clumps, the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s. This is the first significant treatment advance in decades.

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