How You Can Maintain a Healthy Brain and Know When to See a Doctor
Many people experience regular memory loss. Maybe you don’t remember where you put your keys or what you had for dinner last night. Perhaps names are hard to recall, or you aren’t sure why you walked into a room.
Many people chalk it up to forgetfulness but, for others, it’s a matter of decline through diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. An estimated 6.7 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
So, what about the rest of us? There are many other things that can affect our brains on a daily basis. Here’s how to recognize them and help your brain work more effectively.
Sleep: Do you get enough of it? The common recommendation is eight hours each night. A bad night’s sleep can make it hard to focus and remember things.
Medication: Are you on medications for issues such as high blood pressure, depression or insomnia? These can all cause your brain to not function at its peak.
Smoking: Though cancer is the most commonly talked about side effect of smoking, it can also shrink parts of the brain linked to memory.
Exercise: Multiple studies have linked exercise and brain health. Even those who only have time to work out on the weekends have been found to experience better brain health than those who don’t exercise, according to a 2024 study.
Diet: Eating unhealthy foods has been proven to impact memory loss. Concentrate on foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables and whole grains for better brain health.
Of course, there are other health issues that can cause memory loss. Here are a few to watch out for.
Diabetes and strokes can cause memory loss.
Heart disease can reduce blood flow, which can make it harder to remember things.
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the brain.
People who suffer from depression or anxiety are more likely to develop dementia.
Head injuries such as concussions can cause the memory to lapse.
Proper medical treatment can help with all of the above. See a physician if you experience any of these medical issues.
Just as importantly, make sure you have a Medicare health plan that helps you accomplish healthy living and get the medical care you need. The experienced team at UROne Benefits™ can help you find the right plan for your personal needs.
