Want to Age-Proof Your Brain? Here's How - Part 2

Here are more ideas for how you can prevent Alzheimer's or dementia. And if you follow them, you can prevent Alzheimer's or dementia! 

The Spice of Life 

Good news for spice-a-holics! Spices are as good for your brain as they are for your taste buds. Herbs and spices such as black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, basil, parsley, ginger and vanilla are high in antioxidants, which may help build brainpower. And curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may be the most powerful of all. Scientists believe it eliminates plaque in the brain. 

Find Your Purpose In Life 

Discovering your "mission" in life can help you stay sharp, according to a study of older adults. Over a seven-year period, participants with clear goals and passions were less likely to develop Alzheimer's. 

Get A Life! 

Having friends and social networks lowers the risk of dementia, by providing emotional and mental stimulation. In fact, subjects in a recent study scored higher on memory tests after just ten minutes of conversation with another person. 

Improve Your Health 

Chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension will increase your chances of getting Alzheimer's. Diabetes, for example, roughly doubles the risk for Alzheimer's and dementia...but controlling your diabetes can delay the onset by several years. That means diet, exercise...and following doctor's orders! 

Are You Deficient In Certain Vitamins? 

Older adults don't always get all the nutrients they need from foods, because of declines in digestive acids or because their medications interfere with absorption. Vitamin deficit - particularly B12 - can also affect cognitive ability. In cognitive tests, seniors with B12 deficiencies had smaller brains and lower scores. Conclusion: If you can't get it from food, get it from a vitamin pill! 

If you've got questions about Alzheimer's or dementia, we have answers - because we have one of the largest Alzheimer's/Dementia Resource Centers in South Florida. 

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we've been helping South Florida families answer these questions for 34 years. And we've helped them, as well, with comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid or the VA. 

We can help you, too. And we're just a phone call away.