When we were in school we had challenging activities to do all day every day, but when we finished education many of us stopped challenging our brains. As we grow older we become more and more at risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia and that risk can be reduced if we can daily challenge our brain. Here are some suggestions of things you can do to improve your brain fitness.

Exercise your Brain
Research has shown that cross-training, doing things that use both the right and left side of the brain, have been proven to help brain-power. The things that use both sides of the brain are things like crosswords, mazes, Suduko and word puzzles and also playing a musical instrument. Learning a new language is really good to keep your brain alive. If you are older it will take longer to learn something new like a language, but it is really good for your brain.

Exercise
Exercise also helps improve your brain fitness. A daily walk, for instance, is more than just exercise. It is believed there is a connection between physical activity and cognitive decline. Exercising just 20 minutes 3 or more times a week reduces your chance of getting Alzheimer’s by half. Add variety to your workout and that is even better for you.

Eat good foods
An essential omega-3 fatty acid reduces the formation of neuron damaging proteins in the brain. Eating junk is not healthy for your brain, you need to eat good foods. Fish and nuts are especially good brain food.

Variety
Doing the same thing over and over doesn’t stimulate your brain enough, your brain needs variety every day. Try and do things you’ve never done before, or learn new skills. When you eat, put your fork in your opposite hand. Or drive a different route when you go out. Keep your brain alert by stimulating it.



Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises to Help Prevent Memory Loss and Increase Mental Fitness