Dementia isn't a normal part of the aging process. This disorder in cognitive function can be caused by a brain injury or general disease and can also be self inflicted with chronic drug or alcohol abuse.
But it can also strike a seemingly healthy person without warning. Although prescription drugs can treat dementia symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, personality changes and even agitation, they cannot cure this decline of the mind.
Taking care of yourself is the best weapon you have against mental deterioration. The top 5 ways to wage war against dementia might surprise you.
1. Omega-3
The ultimate brain food, fatty acid is the oil that keeps the brain machine running. Abundant in the gray matter of the brain, fatty acids makes brain functioning healthy and normal.
A study at Tufts University in Boston showed that an increased level of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenioc acid (DHA) in the blood lowered the risk of dementia by 47% over those participates with low levels.
Don't like fish? Flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and walnuts are good choices as are supplements to get the 1.5 to 3.5 grams recommended by a 1999 Harvard University study.
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2. Green Tea
After feeding comes protection and you can get that with green tea. Polyphenols found in green tea are high in antioxidants and have been shown to prevent free radical damage in the brain. Polyphenols also decrease the production of plaque (beta-amyloid), which is found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Scientists have an entire popular to study to reach this conclusion: Japan's has a much lower rate of dementia that what is found in Europe and North America.
Don't like green tea? Green powders make tasty smoothies and supplements are available in tablets and extracts.
3. Ginseng
Used in China for centuries to treat disease and aging, studies indicate that ginseng improves abstract thinking and memory. It's been known for some time that ginseng increases activity of the brain chemicals acetylcholine and choline acetyltransferase in aged mice but more recent studies in China show the same beneficial results on stroke induced dementia patients. Ginseng is an adaptogen, meaning it increases energy and general vitality.
4. Flat Belly
Your brain isn't in your belly but your senility may just start there. A big belly can render you 2 to 3 times more likely to develop dementia than your flatter belly friends according to a study at Kaiser Permanente. The apple-shaped body is at the highest risk of developing dementia. Visceral fat (deep fat beneath the muscles) isn’t just bad for your heart; it can rob you of your memories.
5. Exercise
Not only will it help your belly fat, exercise will keep the blood pumping to a functioning brain. Vascular dementia caused by restricted blood flow accounts for about 70% of all dementia cases. Studies indicate that you can lower your risk of vascular dementia by almost 30% just by going on a daily walk or working in the garden. Never were there wiser words than move it or lose is it.
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