Why not start now?
Plus, your brains ability to repair itself naturally declines with age, Dr. Rasouli adds.
Keep your blood pressure in check
High blood pressure isnt just a heart concernits a brain threat, too.
Manage your cholesterol levels
Whats good for your arteries is also good for your brain.
This is why alongside lowering blood pressure, keeping cholesterol in check is important for brain health, too.
TheAlzheimers Drug Discovery Foundationalso notes that midlife onset of key in 2 diabetes significantly increases dementia risk.
a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital
But the good news is that diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes and proper medical care.
Be sure to always follow your healthcare provider’s diabetes treatment plan to avoid any long-term complications, too.
Prioritize your mental health
Turns out, your cognitive and emotional health go hand in hand.
All can contribute to a healthier, and happier, brain.
If youre having thoughts of harming yourself or others, call or text 988 for theSuicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Need help kicking the habit?
Reach out to your healthcare provider or call1-800-QUIT-NOWfor more resources.
Rethink your drinking habits
Moderation is key when it comes toalcohol and brain health.
Heavy drinking shrinks brain volumeanddamages neurons, Dr. Rasouli says.
a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital
Maintain a healthy weight for your body size
Not everyone needs to lose weight to protect their brain.
The reason some providers recommend weight loss?
Obesity in midlife is associated with a roughly30 percent higher riskof dementia.
Move your body more
Exercise isnt just for physical fitnessits also great brain fuel.
While committing to a workout routine in your 40s is amazing (go for it!
), you don’t have to go hard in the gymeveryday to reap the brain benefits of exercise.
For example, Dr. Rasouli says that even mild hearing loss candouble your risk of dementia.
Vision loss can have the same effect, unfortunately.
And yes, some cognitive decline is a natural part of getting older.
But if memory issues start to affect your daily life, its time to talk to a healthcare provider.
Keep in mind that memory loss isnt the only sign of dementia.
There are other red flags, too.
The sooner you get clarity, the sooner you might take steps to support brain health.
The key is preventiononce neurodegenerative changes start, theyre difficult to reverse.
Prioritize your brain now, and it will thank you later.
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