Six Ways to Improve Mental Sharpness as You Age
Author: Home Helpers Home Care
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.
- Exercise – Exercise is one of the most transformative activities for your brain. It helps the brain form new neurons, which can help with memory, information sorting, and stress management. According to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), exercising may slow brain aging in older adults by up to 10 years.
- Play Games – Research has shown that playing games such as card games, board games, puzzle games, brain teasers, or even video games can help create more brain neurons, which can slow cognition decline and memory-related dementia and keep the brain engaged.
- Meditation – One of the most effective ways to improve focus and concentration is by practicing meditation. This is because meditation helps create Alpha brainwaves, the optimal state for the brain to learn, memorize, and recall large amounts of information.
- Sleep – It’s recommended that all adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Consistently getting a full night’s rest is vital for brain neuroplasticity. Too little sleep hinders our ability to process what we’ve learned during the day while also making it more difficult to recall plans for the future. Sleep also gives your brain time to consolidate memories and clear plaque-forming amyloids and tau proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Reading – Brain activity studies have shown that reading is a complex task involving multiple parts of the brain. When you read, the stimulation enhances brain activity, memory, and cognitive function.
- Learn a New Skill or Start a New Hobby – Learning a new language, musical instrument, or another unfamiliar activity is a great way to mentally stimulate and challenge your brain in new ways. According to some research, speaking two languages proficiently may help to forestall the onset of dementia symptoms. Additionally, learning a musical instrument can improve both coordination and memory, providing a powerful mental workout.
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.