By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
We all know someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia, whether it be a friend or family member. I personally know a couple of people who suffer from both of these diseases, and it is incredibly unfortunate. It has made me wonder, however, if it is truly just a genetic condition that runs in the family and can’t really be avoided, or if there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk of cognitive issues later in life.
Exercise is one activity that supports mental health.
According to Dr. Gary Small, it is possible to stave off mental issues later in life by adopting healthy habits early on in life. These are nongenetic factors, such as exercise, diet, socializing, and mentally strengthening activities. Small notes that older adults who have done well with prioritizing health have better memory and fewer overall cognitive problems.
Some activities that could help to maintain mental health include:
- Getting better sleep
- Doing focused exercises
- Staying social
- Maintaining a healthy weight and body mass
- Eating healthfully
- Playing mentally challenging games
In addition to these, Dr. Small adds that stress doubles the risk of Alzheimer’s, so stress management is crucial.
We all know the importance of staying healthy throughout life. Not only does it improve your quality of life at the moment but maintaining healthy habits can also help to prevent health issues later down the road. So, even if dementia or Alzheimer’s runs in your family, try adopting some of these healthy habits to aid in preserving your mental health as you age!
For more health-related articles, check out the Fill Your Plate blog!