RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—People with higher education levels are less likely to show signs of Alzheimer’s disease even if their brains are covered in the plaque lesions that are characteristic of the disorder, according to a study published in the Archives of Neurology.
THE DETAILS: Washington University researchers scanned the brains of 37 people with dementia and 161 people without it, gave them cognitive tests, and found out how long they attended school. People whose brains had little plaque buildup performed the best on the cognitive tests. But when researchers looked at people with a lot of brain plaque, they found that those who’d continued schooling after high school still scored well on the cognitive tests.
WHAT IT MEANS: No one’s sure what causes Alzheimer’s, but this study adds to research suggesting that keeping your brain sharp and active could be protective against symptoms of memory loss and confusion caused by the disease.
Here some ways to keep your brain in good mental shape:
Play brain games. Challenge your brain with a variety of stimulating activities, such as chess, crossword puzzles, strategy games, and other mental diversions. You can start right now by playing the free brain games at Prevention.com.
Volunteer your time. If you’re retired, use some of your free time to help others, and you’ll benefit as well. A recent study found that folks who did volunteer work were more likely to engage in brain-healthy games and challenges. And volunteering gives you the chance to use your brain in new ways. Join the Senior Corps to become a foster grandparent, help other seniors in your neighborhood, or volunteer locally. Love an adventure? Check out the Peace Corps senior program, and travel the world doing good deeds.
Find a class. Locate a school, university or library in your area that offers continuing-education classes, supplemental degree programs, workshops, or other educational opportunities.
Order fish. A Norwegian study found that older people who ate any type of fish at least once a week scored better on mental tests than those who skipped seafood. Since many species are overfished or are packed with contaminants, pick choices that are good for you and for our oceans: mackerel caught in the Atlantic or Alaska-caught wild salmon, for example. Steer clear of farmed or Atlantic salmon.
Check your blood sugar. Chronically high blood sugar poses a greater risk of mild cognitive impairment. Have your blood sugar checked once a year: According to the American Diabetic Association, your fasting level should be under 100 mg/dl. Stabilize blood sugar levels with a daily 30-minute walk, and eat four to six small meals a day instead of a few large ones, to avoid sugar spikes.
Keep your BMI below 25. Memory can be impaired if you’re overweight or obese, according to Norwegian researchers. Calculate your BMI at Rodale’s Prevention.com. Then, look for creative ways to burn calories.
Strive for salad. Eating three servings of veggies a day could keep your brain as sharp as someone 5 years younger. Look for green, leafy vegetables and add vitamin E–rich spinach, almonds, or sunflower seeds to the mix for a power salad.