Cognitive ability and memory do decline for many during the aging process, and unfortunately, some are more genetically prone to afflictions like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, but we also have some control in maintaining our brain function and memory as we get older. No matter your age right now, there are things you should be doing to protect one of your most important organs.

Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four key ways to maintain your brain and keep your memory sharp.

  1. Manage Stress Levels

It can be tough to focus when dealing with normal daily stress levels, but if that baseline level is high, it can turn into anxiety, which can lead to more long-term memory issues. Whether it’s deep-breathing exercises, meditation, exercise, or yoga, have a strategy to manage your stress.

  1. Get the Correct Amount of Sleep

You should be averaging between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, and that number gets closer to the low end as we get older. Studies show that people who don’t get the correct amount of sleep are more forgetful than those who do. Another issue is that medication to treat insomnia can affect brain function, so it’s best to try to solve sleep problems naturally.

  1. Don’t Smoke

In addition to all the other health problems that smoking causes, research has found that smokers generally have more serious age-related memory issues than nonsmokers. If you do smoke, it’s not too late to stop, as the more a person smokes (and the amount of time they smoke) has a direct correlation to memory issues later in life.

  1. Protect Your Brain

Head trauma and brain injuries (concussions) are a major factor in dementia and other memory-related issues. Wear a helmet if you’re riding a bike or motorcycle or participating in contact sports. Car accidents are also the most common cause of brain injury, so be sure to always wear your seatbelt.

 

To learn more about Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://brooklyn-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.