We learn to tend to what we want to last, whether it’s a friendship, or the roof over our heads. The mind is no different. It’s tempting to think our brains will keep ticking along, just so long as we feed and water it, but it needs it's own kind of tending.
The global pandemic affected the world deeply, causing widespread stress, anxiety and concerns. Its handling exacerbated those worries.
Worry doesn’t just steal moments it can take years from your life. According to Dr. Amir Khan there is no magic cure to prevent dementia, but there are simple, everyday habits that can keep your grey matter strong.
Exercise doesn’t just help the heart and muscles; it nourishes the mind, too. Fresh blood flow feeds the brain with oxygen and nutrients, and even helps grow new brain cells in the hippocampus, the bit that remembers things for us.
A brisk walk to the postbox, yoga or lifting something heavier than a kettle can all help. Even five minutes counts.
Crosswords and puzzles are a great way to keep the brain active, but Dr Khan says there’s something even better: trying something completely new. It could be learning a new tune you’ve never played, cooking a new recipe you’ve never tried, or learning a foreign language. These small new challenges help wake up quiet corners of your mind and keeps it sharp.
Brain cells are full of healthy fats, especially omega-3s, which we can’t make on our own. Oily fish, walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds – all of them help, also including berries, nuts, and dark greens which are rich in antioxidants.
When life gets busy or heavy, social visits are often the first to go. But those cups of tea and shared conversations are like exercise for the brain. They keep us sharp, responsive, and connected.
The brain tidies itself while we’re sleeping – clearing waste, storing memories, setting things in order. Fewer than five hours a night doubles dementia risk, so Dr Khan says aim for a steady seven to nine hours.
Constant multitasking wears us down, long-term poor sleep clogs the mind, doom-scrolling overstimulates and unsettles, skipping meals starves the brain of fuel. And loneliness, Dr Kahn warns – can harm us as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
None of us can stop time’s passing, but we can give our minds the same steady care it deserves. With small, mindful habits, we can keep the lights in the upstairs rooms burning bright for many seasons yet to help reduce dementia. (Source: womanandhome.com)
