Brain Activities Can Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s
By: Dr. Rashmi Byakodi
Tags: Health, Brain, Fitness, Alzheimers, Memory Improvement

Brain Activities Can Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s

It is believed that mental exercises can increase the connection between brain cells and supports the growth of a new network between cells. People who engage in brain-stimulating activities may have a lesser risk of dementia.

According to research studies, frequent participation in brain-stimulating activities, such as playing games and puzzles, is beneficial to brain health and cognition. Cognitively-stimulating activities are recommended to prevent the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Following some brain exercises and incorporating them in your daily life can ensure your long-term brain health. They can play significant roles in the prevention of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Various Brain-Activities to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

1. Play Brain Games

With aging, alteration occurs in various regions of the brain, like the prefrontal cortex, medial temporal lobe, hippocampus, and cerebellum. These changes are linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia. It leads to impairment in cognitive functions like speed and executive functions and also short-term and long-term memory loss. A study published in 2018 has revealed that playing brain games prevents such age-related changes and improves cognitive functions.

Another study says that people who frequently participate in cognitive brain activities display greater gray matter (GM) volumes in the brain and also exhibit higher cognitive scores. Cognitive activities involving games and puzzles are related to better mental abilities, promote healthy aging, and prevent or delay the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Read and Write

According to research studies, reading affects the rate of age-related decline in episodic recall and verbal fluency. It is a neurologically demanding process that involves language, visualization, and learning. Reading can improve your memory and prevent age-related cognitive decline.

Whether it is a magazine or novel, make reading a daily habit. Writing a journal every day can also be a great way to maintain your mental health. Writing letters or making cards with some added art can bring out the creativity within you.

3. Learn a New Skill

Learning something new can keep you active and healthy. Sign up for any new class of interest. Take lessons and learn something new, or you can also opt for online classes from the comfort of your home.

Research studies say, acquiring new and complex skills stimulates brain functions. It is a safe and effective tool to bring functional independence to older adults. So, stay curious, learn new words, or try new recipes every day to enhance your memory.

4. Listen to Music

Music triggers emotions, captures attention, motivates you with synchronizing movements. Music enhances the release of endorphins, which is a feel-good hormone. Music is soothing and can be relaxing for your mind. You can practice some musical instrument or just listen to relaxing music to keep your mind stress-free.

claim that music brings positive effects on behavior, anxiety, mood, and cognition in dementia. It is believed that short-term music therapy reduces mood swings, depression, and anxiety.

Music is a unique and powerful tool for reaffirming personal identity and socialization in people with dementia. It can help to achieve optimal well being, despite severe memory impairment as in Alzheimer’s Disease.

5. Quality Sleep

Sleep disturbances, as well as sleep-wake rhythm disturbances, are typical symptoms of dementia, which may precede the other clinical signs of this neurodegenerative disease. Evidence suggests that the primary issue in AD is the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain. These amyloid plaque depositions disrupt the sleep-wakeup cycle. Also, poor sleep quality leads to deficits in synaptic plasticity and memory processes, which adversely affect cognition and memory. Improving your sleep quality can benefit your memory.

6. Mindful Meditation

Meditation is meant to reduce negative emotions and bring inner peace, love, happiness, and positivity. It aims to achieve greater well-being, serenity, and concentration through the spiritual path.

Studies imply that meditation has a positive effect on attention, memory, verbal fluency, and cognitive flexibility. Meditation is considered as a non-pharmacological therapy aimed to prevent cognitive decline in older adults.

Along with keeping your mind active, practicing physical exercises like running exert effects on enhancing neuroplasticity and cognitive and behavioral function. It can be a great non-pharmacological strategy to delay Alzheimer’s Disease from becoming a significant health issue in old age.

Bottom Line

Engage yourself in brain-enhancing activities to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. With continued curiosity and learning, you can keep your mind active. With these healthy practices, keep your mind and body, young and healthy.

Originally published at https://rashmibyakodi.com on December 25, 2020.