Plenty of reasons to flex your brain power
Even if it doesn’t reduce the risk of dementia, staying mentally active may delay its onset or slow its progression. Stimulating your brain can also enrich your life, banish boredom, help prevent or treat depression and be a way to make new friends.
You don’t need to invest in special games or training programs. Just do something challenging that you enjoy, so you’ll keep at it. You may find formal brain-training programs repetitive and boring, similar to being forced to run on a treadmill when you’d rather be hiking in the woods. Learning a new skill, such as a foreign language; taking classes in art history; playing strategic board or card games or doing volunteer work can be rewarding and fun. These activities can also provide a sense of accomplishment.
If such endeavors confer long-term mental benefits that stave off cognitive decline as well, so much the better.
Other steps to keep in mind: Physical exercise, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, preventing/controlling diabetes, treating depression, drinking alcohol in moderation (if at all) and having a heart-healthy diet are all good bets for brain health. In general, what’s good for your cardiovascular system is good for your brain.
Live LIfe #VoxxLife Strong
