Nine Tips for Brain Health

Your brain is one of the most important organs in your body! If you want to keep your brain healthy and sharp, try these tips for brain health.

1. Stay mentally active. Take a class at the local college, learn a new skill or language, or play Scrabble. Crossword puzzles and Sudoku are great games to keep your thinker nice and sharp. Your brain needs challenges to keep functioning at its peak.
2. Get enough sleep. If you aren't sleeping enough, you'll feel less alert. If you aren't sleeping well over a long period of time, your brain function can be impaired.
3. Stay connected with friends and family. Keep your mind active with frequent conversation, travel, and volunteering. Sitting home by yourself means your brain isn't being stimulated.
4. Get your exercise. Exercise helps increase your circulation, and your brain needs blood. Regular exercise can also help stave off heart disease, stroke, and diabetes -- diseases that can increase your risk of dementia.
5. Watch your stress levels. Too much stress can make you frazzled and forgetful. Relieving stress can help improve your ability to cope, learn, and remember.
6. Protect your noggin. Wear a helmet if you'll be biking, skating, or skiing -- any activity where you could possibly fall and injure yourself. Wear your seat belt every time you ride in the car. Head injuries can increase your risk of dementia later in life.
7. Eat brain foods. Make sure your diet includes protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin B; these are all helpful in keeping your brain and body healthy.
8. Know your family history. If your genes put you at risk for developing dementia later in life, talk to your doctor NOW about how you can maintain brain health.
9. Quit smoking, drink in moderation, and don't use recreational drugs. These things can increase your risk of developing dementia later in life.

Source: http://www.alz.org