Avoiding memory loss - get in shape. Fitness and Brain connection

Did you know that strategies that protect you from a heart attack or stroke can work against aging-related memory loss?
Almost anything that raises your risk of heart disease—smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol—also increases your risk of forgetting your name. If you want to keep your brain humming for life, staying fit is job one.

To keep your brain healthy, the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Maintain Your Brain” campaign offers these suggestions:

Head first: Your brain is one of the most vital body organs, so take care of it.
Take brain health to heart: Do something every day to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke, all of which can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s.
Your numbers count: Keep your body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges.
Feed your brain: Eat less saturated fat and more antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
Work your body: Physical activity keeps the blood flowing and may encourage brain cell growth.
Jog your mind: Keeping your brain active and engaged increases its vitality and builds reserves of brain cells and connections. Read, write, play games, learn new things, do crossword puzzles.
Connect with others: Leisure activities that combine physical, mental, and social elements may help the most.
Protect your brain: Use your seat belt when you drive, unclutter your house to avoid falls, and wear a helmet if you bicycle.
Use your head: Avoid unhealthy habits — don’t smoke, drink too much alcohol, or use street drugs.


For more info visit Harvard Medical Scool: Heal the heart, the mind will follow
Avoiding Dementia: Fitness and Your Brain - Health For Life