Keeping Your Brain Healthy - Manual / Resource - Page 5
STRATEGIES TO PROTECT BRAIN HEALTH
Keep a Healthy Heart
Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet
The risk factors for cardiovascular disease
and stroke — obesity, high blood pressure
and diabetes — also have been shown
to negatively impact cognitive health.
Preventing and managing high blood
pressure and cholesterol will help protect
the heart and take care of the brain.
Following a diet that’s low in fat and
high in vegetables and fruit has also
been linked to reducing the risk of
cognitive decline. Although research on
diet and cognitive function is limited,
certain diets, like the Mediterranean
and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension),
may help maintain brain health.
Continue Learning and
Welcome Challenges
Don’t Forget Mental Health
Challenging and activating the mind
by doing puzzles, building furniture
or playing games are good ways to
encourage strategic thinking. Taking an
online class or learning a new language
will also help keep your mind sharp.
Some studies also link depression
with increased risk of cognitive
decline. Managing stress and seeking
medical attention for any symptoms
of depression, anxiety or any other
mental health concerns will help
optimize your brain health.
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