Subjective cognitive decline affects 1 in 9 American adults. This can result in loss of memory, lack of focus, difficulties carrying out everyday tasks. Eventually, cognitive decline can even lead to the onset of dementia.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get you on the path towards a sharper mind. If you’re worried about your cognitive state, then these five tips on how to keep your mind sharp can help to restore and even boost your cognitive function.
Let’s take a closer look at five different ways to help keep your mind sharp.
1 Train Your Brain
One of the best ways to keep your mind sharp is to use it. There are several ways you can engage your brain every day.
Doing the occasional puzzle such as a crossword, sudoku, or even using a brain training application are all great ways to sharpen your mind.
In a recent study of healthy adults between the ages of 50 and 93, researchers found that those who engaged in various puzzles each day demonstrated superior cognitive performance.
2. Exercise
As a general rule, anything that is good for the body is also good for the brain. Exercise helps to improve blood flow to the brain as well as stimulating the growth of new brain cells.
The endorphins that are released during exercise don’t only make you feel better. They also help to keep your mind sharp, increase your ability to concentrate, and help to prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Try and engage in some form of aerobic exercise for at least 15 minutes, a few times a week. Using exercise to help maintain a healthy weight and take care of your cardiovascular and respiratory system will also have huge benefits for your brain.
3. Nootropics
Nootropics are substances that help to improve mental function. Some of the benefits of taking nootropics include:
- Boosting memory
- Improving motivation
- Increasing creativity
- Improved general cognitive function
- Better alertness
Many nootropic ingredients such as Tianeptine are also reported to help reduce age-related cognitive decline. Learn more about Tianeptine here.
4. Omega-3s
Making sure that your diet is high in Omega 3 is one of the best things you can do for your brain. Some foods rich in Omega 3 include:
- Salmon
- Mackeral
- Cod liver oil
- Flax seeds
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Caviar
You can also increase your Omega 3 intake by taking an Omega 3 supplement. Research suggests that Omega 3 fatty acids can help prevent several neurodegenerative disorders and help to protect cognitive function.
5. Get Rid of Stress
One of the biggest enemies of a healthy mind is stress. Stress is responsible for the release of cortisol which increases inflammation and can put you more at risk of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Keeping stress at bay is your ticket to a sharper mind. Meditation and mindfulness practices can help to reduce stress and keep your brain healthy. Avoiding sugary, fatty, and processed foods is another way to help reduce the presence of cortisol in the body.
The Path to a Sharper Mind
Cognitive decline is an understandable concern. If you feel that you’re becoming more forgetful and less mentally sharp than you used to be, then it’s important to take action now.
These five tips for a sharper mind can help to boost your cognitive function and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
For more health and lifestyle tips, be sure to take a look at the rest of our site.
