Six Ways to Improve Mental Sharpness as You Age

How to Adapt Your Brain to Keep Mental Sharpness and Improve Brain Plasticity

The human brain is one of the universe’s most complicated and fascinating mysteries. It contains billions of neurons connecting and interacting in a vast network that allows for thought, emotion, memory, and consciousness. The brain has the amazing ability to change and adapt over time as we age through a process called brain plasticity (sometimes called neuroplasticity). Retaining mental sharpness is crucial for helping avoid the onset of memory issues as we age.

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is a fundamental mechanism for learning, memory, and recovery from brain injuries. Just like the muscles throughout our body need strength training to remain strong, the brain needs to be trained regularly for it to have the ability to learn and grow.

Six Ways to Stay Mentally Sharp

Here are six ways to keep your mind mentally sharp as you age.

Why Mental Sharpness Matters

Cognitive health is a critical factor in our ability to perform everyday tasks. While occasional forgetfulness is normal, serious issues with mental sharpness can indicate more significant conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease.

Approximately 6.9 million Americans aged 65 or older are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. That number is projected to nearly double by 2060. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language and can seriously impact a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks.

It’s not known what causes Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is widely understood that a combination of factors such as age, family history, physical health, and lifestyle could play a role. According to a recent study, people with one or more chronic health conditions are more likely to report worsening or more frequent memory problems or decrease in mental sharpness, also known as subjective cognitive decline (SCD).

To learn more about Alzheimer’s, including early signs and symptoms, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website.

How Home Helpers® Home Care Can Help

Are you or a loved one in need of in-home care? Home Helpers® Home Care is here to help. For over 25 years, we have provided exceptional in-home care for seniors, new moms and families, and those with disabilities, illness, or recovering from injury or surgery.

Some benefits of in-home care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s include:

• Familiar environments offer a great deal of security
• Daily routines help bring sense of normalcy
• Sensory stimulation can offer positive effects on health
• Assistance with daily living activities, such as eating, dressing and bathing
• A much-needed break for the family caregiver

We’re here to be a trusted partner in your dementia journey, with a team of compassionate professionals supporting you every step of the way. Our services and care plans are customizable, so you receive just the right amount of care and can be adjusted as needs change.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES, CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME CARE ASSESSMENT OR FIND AN AGENCY NEAR YOU.