Boosting Brain and Memory

We can joke around about an occasional bout of forgetfulness. Sometimes we can also find humor in it occurring more frequently as we age. But when this forgetfulness becomes a more regular occurrence, it affects our day-to-day living and affects people around us, especially the people we live and work with.

Dementia, the loss of intellectual function, can be associated with aging because it is more common in elderly individuals than in young adults. But it can start as early as in the 40s. For those of us who have had first-hand experience with the disease, the question we want answered is, "Can dementia be prevented?" No researcher has yet to say it definitely can be prevented - just as no one can say that about any other disease. But we can say for sure that taking care of our bodies and taking every measure possible to ensure our brains receive the necessary nutrients to continue functioning is as good a preventative as properly maintaining your automotive vehicle's engine with regular oil and filter changes.

While we can't necessarily "change out" anything in our brains like we change our engine's oil and filter, we can be sure to eat foods rich in nutrients that help our brain function.

The suggestions in that graphic above show some brain foods which help increase blood flow to the brain (just like oil lubricates the motor engine) and help to improve brain function.  These food sources contain natural sources of ingredients commonly found in brain support pills that you could spend hundreds of dollars on every year.  Eating more of these foods and less processed foods can help ensure the longevity of normal brain function.

For those of us who are already dealing with someone suffering from dementia, here are some helpful reading resources:

When Your Loved One Has Dementia: A Simple Guide for Caregivers

The 36-Hour Day, fifth edition: The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory Loss (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

Keeping Busy: A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia

Creating Moments of Joy: A Journal for Caregivers, Fourth Edition (NEW COVER)