The latest research from the Chicago Rush University Medical Center points to unexplained weight loss as a higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Often weight loss happens years before there are any symptoms of memory loss. A senior who loses weight regularly without any other illnesses should be tested and monitored for memory impairment.
While on the subject of food intake, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, folate-rich fruits and vegetables slow down memory decline and language skills associated with aging. Folate is a B-vitamin found in vegetables and fruits like: broccoli, spinach, chickpeas, kidney beans, strawberries, green peas, and romaine lettuce. Here’s another good reason to eat a rainbow diet of fruits and vegetables. Whatever is heart smart is brain smart.
Eating right, managing weight and now for the third part of Alzheimer’s prevention and management – exercise, exercise and exercise. Make a health deposit in your golden- year’s bank account. Exercise, which means either doing cardio like walking or bicycling, or strength training even with light weights, boosts brain power. Exercise drives oxygen and glucose into the brain. Also, it increases proteins that multiply the connections between neurons, triggers the growth of new brain cells and improves the communication of neurons with each other. Regarding the depression that accompanies Alzheimer’s, activity alleviates anxiety. By promoting strength, balance and stability exercise improves motor skills and as a result, there are fewer falls, injuries and greater independence. We all know that we need to stimulate the mind. Now we know that we need to wake up the body!
Debbie Mandel, MA is the author of Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul, a stress-reduction specialist, motivational speaker, a personal trainer and mind/body lecturer. She is the host of the weekly Turn On Your Inner Light Show on WGBB AM1240 in New York City , produces a weekly wellness newsletter, and has been featured on radio/ TV and print media. To learn more visit: www.turnonyourinnerlight.com
While on the subject of food intake, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, folate-rich fruits and vegetables slow down memory decline and language skills associated with aging. Folate is a B-vitamin found in vegetables and fruits like: broccoli, spinach, chickpeas, kidney beans, strawberries, green peas, and romaine lettuce. Here’s another good reason to eat a rainbow diet of fruits and vegetables. Whatever is heart smart is brain smart.
Eating right, managing weight and now for the third part of Alzheimer’s prevention and management – exercise, exercise and exercise. Make a health deposit in your golden- year’s bank account. Exercise, which means either doing cardio like walking or bicycling, or strength training even with light weights, boosts brain power. Exercise drives oxygen and glucose into the brain. Also, it increases proteins that multiply the connections between neurons, triggers the growth of new brain cells and improves the communication of neurons with each other. Regarding the depression that accompanies Alzheimer’s, activity alleviates anxiety. By promoting strength, balance and stability exercise improves motor skills and as a result, there are fewer falls, injuries and greater independence. We all know that we need to stimulate the mind. Now we know that we need to wake up the body!
Debbie Mandel, MA is the author of Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul, a stress-reduction specialist, motivational speaker, a personal trainer and mind/body lecturer. She is the host of the weekly Turn On Your Inner Light Show on WGBB AM1240 in New York City , produces a weekly wellness newsletter, and has been featured on radio/ TV and print media. To learn more visit: www.turnonyourinnerlight.com
