It is no secret that changes to your brain and body are normal as you age. The research named Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) revealed that neurological disorder are the largest cause of disability worldwide.
Risk of Neurological Disorders
However, some ways can help you lower the risk of neurological disorders, such as slow memory, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc. Wondering how? We have listed down the top 6 ways that can help you in reducing the risk of getting any kind of neurological disorder, have a look!
#1 Exercise Regularly
Doctors suggest that you should exercise regularly. This is because exercise has many benefits, such as anxiety reduction, mood improvement, etc. Regular physical activity helps your brain stay active and healthy.
A study of 1.2 million people revealed that people who exercise regularly report having 1.5 fewer days of poor mental health in a month than people who do not exercise.
This means that physically active people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of getting diseases like Neurological Disorders, such as Alzheimer’s. This is because exercise increases the blood flow to your brain, thereby strengthening your brain connections, which can get weakened due to aging.
So, if you want to keep yourself safe from most neurological disorders, you should exercise several times a week. It is best that you walk, play tennis, swim, or practice aerobic activity that results in an increased heart rate.
#2 Get Proper Sleep
It is no secret that sleep plays a crucial role in improving your brain’s health. According to NCBI, sleep helps consolidate your memories, and remove abnormal proteins in your brain, thereby improving your overall memory and brain health.
You must get at least seven to eight consecutive hours of sleep every night. This is because consecutive sleep helps your brain store memories effectively.
Apart from this, according to Sound Sleep Medical, sleep apnea is harmful to your mental health, so if you are unable to get proper sleep, it’s time you talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Besides this, if you cannot get proper sleep, you should get your Alzheimer’s tests done to ensure that there isn’t a serious medical problem. This is because Alzheimer’s patients commonly report that they suffer from either lack of sleep or disturbed sleeping patterns.
Wondering how to get proper sleep at night? Here are a few expert tips that can help you ensure quality sleep:
- Try to avoid caffeine consumption after late evening as a single dose can enhance your energy and focus.
- Don’t take irregular naps in the middle of the day because they can adversely affect your sleep.
- Take supplements, like Melatonin, if needed as they help your brain relax.
- Avoid drinking alcohol at night as they affect your hormones and sleep.
- Improve your bedroom environment by eliminating noise and external lights.
- Clear your mind in the evening, and relax.
#3 Stay Mentally Active
Your brain is similar to a muscle, and thereby you should use it to its full potential. Wondering how? You can do many things to keep your mind active, such as Scrabble, Sudoku, word puzzles, playing jigsaw puzzles, etc. This is because all these activities keep your brain involved, thereby increasing its effectiveness.
Apart from this, you can also include meditation in your daily routine as it helps improve concentration, hence keeping you mentally active.
Here are a few other ways that can help you stay mentally active:
- Stay social and indulge in positive conversations often.
- Read books, magazines, and newspapers.
- Cultivate a new and interesting hobby.
- Learn a new language.
- Play memory games.
#4 Try to Stay Socially Involved
Staying socially active helps get rid of depression and stress, both of which result in memory loss. If you want mental peace in life, you should look for opportunities of connecting with friends, family, and other loved ones.
Wondering how to stay socially involved? Listed below are a few tips for your help:
- Look for volunteer work that interests you.
- Go for coffee and lunches with friends.
- Attend a church or other religious events.
- Join a club that encourages activities, such as gardening, reading, etc.
- Take classes at the local community centers.
- Use social media to keep up with family and friends.
- Do your groceries with a neighbor or friend.
#5 Improve Your Diet
According to past studies, what you eat affects your mental health significantly. For example, certain nutrients, like omega-3 and eating patterns, help improve the connections between your brain cells.
On the contrary, a diet filled with saturated fats and refined sugars negatively impacts your brain proteins.
Many nutritionists recommend people to consume a Mediterranean diet which includes whole grains, fish, healthy fats, and other plant-based foods. Studies have proved that you can lower your risk of getting Alzheimer’s and other severe medical conditions by following this diet.
#6 Say No to Stress
It is a known fact that too much stress impact your brain cells adversely thereby, worsening your mental health. Studies are being conducted to identify the link between stress and Alzheimer’s. Besides this, stress accelerates your aging process, hence weakening your brain.
So, if you want to lower your risk of neurological disorders, you should manage your stress level effectively.
The Final Words
In a nutshell, your mental health is equally important as your physical health. This is because your brain controls how you react and respond to certain situations in life. However, aging and an unhealthy lifestyle can increase the risk of getting a Neurological Disorders. So, it is a must that you follow the tips and tricks mentioned above.
