Imagine forgetting the people you love, memories you cherish. Not be able to drive to your favourite restaurant. Being confused about what day of the week it is. Feeling irritable and depressed all the time. Terrible isn’t it? But these are what people with Alzheimer’s disease experience on a regular basis. So what exactly is Alzheimer’s disease? It is the most common cause of dementia where brain cells die at a faster rate. This causes memory loss, personality changes, and decreased brain function. It’s a heartbreaking and painful disease to deal with, both for the patient as well as their loved ones, yet the number of people diagnosed keeps rising year after year. By 2020, there will be over 50,000 people suffering from dementia in Singapore alone. As researchers race towards a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, what we can do is to adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle to help reduce our risk. Here’s how, in just five easy steps:
1. Exercise regularly
This helps maintain good blood flow to your brain, and encourage new brain cells.
2. Eat healthy
Go for a low cholesterol diet, dark-skinned fruits and vegetables, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Work your brain
Challenge yourself mentally. When you stimulate your brain cells, you help strengthen them.
4. Sleep well
A good night’s sleep is far more important than we think… especially in the long run.
5. Be socially active
Trade a few late nights at the office to spend some quality time with your family or friends. It’s not just enjoyable; it’s also good for your brain cells. Share this article with one person you’ll never want to forget. Remember, it’s never too early to start leading a brain-healthy lifestyle.