On Your Own

Living on your own you miss the input and support of others, whether a spouse, partner or a child that will not leave home! The little things you do daily probably do not amount to much and the daily routine becomes ensconced in your life. Without the presence of others within the home environment, it is easy to miss a slow degradation of mental processes. The research done today allows us to live healthier lives making informed choices to live longer. A brief memory loss here and there goes unnoticed, admittedly, most of us have this at some points in our lives, but it is the slow losses mounting into an inability to cope that become an increasing problem in the world today.

In an effort to delay the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, the authorities suggest that a closer look at diets, foods, and lifestyles is worth considering. We accept that as we age we get the occasional loss of memory, take the car keys for example, I think we have all wandered around looking for them! In order to work correctly the brain requires certain foods, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. More attention is paid today into the activity of certain foods providing the research into the dementia diseases. People living longer are facing an increased likelihood of suffering these diseases.

Recent research is shows a diet with certain ingredients assists in the improvement of memory processes.
Omega 3 is a well-known fish ingredient linked to reducing the risks of dementia or at the very least improving brain health. Not only is it useful for brain health it is also beneficial for improving cardiovascular health. Eating more fish or omega 3 capsules ensures a consistent supply of this nutrient is available for the body’s use.

Folates are another major ingredient that should be included in a healthy diet. Memory failing you, suggests that you are likely to be low in folates. Eat asparagus, broccoli, cranberry juice, liver to up your intake of folate. Planning to be a mother, suggests women take folate tablets prior to becoming pregnant, and certainly over the first trimester of pregnancy. Give the foetus brain the best possible start in life and one that will carry over into later life.

Choline in the form of eggs, soybeans and nuts has a marked effect on boosting memory in older people. Tests have shown that ensuring the addition of these to the older person’s diet, minor memory lapses are improved. Fluids like water must be included every day to maintain the hydration of the body. Dehydration affects the overall performance of the brain and the body’s cells.
Anti oxidants and their effects on our bodies is more widely researched today. The capacity of the body to produce antioxidants to reduce the damage of free radicals is a limited one. Foods with antioxidants include blueberries, red bush teas, and cranberries even turmeric, are useful in limiting the damage.

Homocysteine is a natural substance found in our blood. High levels of this may increase the likelihood of Alzheimers, or dementia. B vitamins in a diet particularly B6 and B12 reduce the high levels of homocysteine and may delay the onset of dementia in some cases. A diet consisting of fruit, nuts, vegetables, fish, and chicken is associated with reducing the risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Diets while extremely helpful with Alzheimer’s and dementia diseases, there are physical
means of assisting the protection the foods provide. Keeping your brain busy and interested in life is another means of delaying or avoiding dementia. Brain games using words or Sudoko can challenge the brain and the cells therein. Travel and social interactions are part of most people lives, but pay attention to them as we age. It is easy to slip into a mind numbing routine and lose the ability not to be interested in social activities. With out the constant interaction of our families, our social network buddies the stimulation of the brain cells starts to drop, starting the slow decline in those with a genetic disposition to the dementia diseases.