Research shows that there are three main ways to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders as you age.
How to Protect Your Cognition as You Age
Eating a nutritious diet, managing stress, exercise, and getting enough sleep are a few ways to stay healthy and promote good cognitive functioning. According to the APA (American Psychological Association), research shows that there are three main ways to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders as you age.
- One study showed that people who believed they had control over their cognitive and physical health had better memory and intellectual functioning than those who didn’t. Simply by believing you have some control over your health by what you can behaviorally do such as annual check ups, managing stress, and practicing good nutrition, you can help ward off cognitive problems as you age.
- Exercise is important for overall health and wellness, and it’s a great health habit to guard against cognitive problems as you age because it helps initiate new neural connections in the brain. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week or 10,000 steps each day. If you have physical limitations, do what you’re able to do. Simply moving your body regularly, getting up often, walking, standing, and chair exercises count!
- Engaging your brain in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, learning something new, playing an instrument, writing, or playing word games and puzzles stimulates your brain and promotes good cognitive functioning (APA, 2022).
Please note, some medical conditions such as depression, diabetes, and B12 deficiency can cause brain fog. If you have a medical condition that affects your cognition, work with your doctor to manage it for good brain function. In summary, by believing you have control over your health and cognition, exercising, and regularly engaging in mentally stimulating activities, you can protect yourself against and compensate for cognitive problems as you get older.
Ready to Talk?
At CHE Behavioral Services, we understand the challenges of living with anxiety, stress, depression and worry. We are committed to helping those who are struggling. We offer online talk therapy and medication management designed to help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Our licensed mental health professionals work with clients to create personalized treatment plans that meet their unique needs and goals.
For more information about talk therapy at CHE, please call 888-515-3834. We are ready to talk and ready to listen.
Work Cited:
Apa.org, 2022, www.apa.org/topics/alzheimers/protect. Accessed 14 Oct. 2022.
Makenzie Pacubas, MSW, LCSW
CHE Quality Assurance Associate
Makenzie is a clinical social worker who has worked in the mental/behavioral health field for over a decade and now works as a clinical quality assurance associate with CHE Behavioral Health Services. Makenzie lives in Missouri with her husband, Justin, and their two puppies and cat. She likes art, singing, exercising, reading, getting outdoors, and trying new restaurants.
