The Millstone Times April 2020

As We Age

Protecting Your Brain As You Age By Lauren Kowlacki

Some health conditions can negatively impact your brain. Heart dis- ease, high blood pressure and diabetes can alter or damage blood ves- sels throughout your body, including the brain. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia also harm the brain. While no one knows how to prevent dementia, many approaches that are good for your health in other ways, including engaging in exercise and eating a healthy diet, are being tested. Getting mental stimulation is important. Through research with mice and humans, scientists have found that brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells, developing neurological "plasticity" and building up a func- tional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss. Any men- tally stimulating activity should help to build up your brain. Read, take courses, try "mental gymnastics," such as word puzzles or math problems Experiment with things that require manual dexterity as well as mental effort, such as drawing, painting, and other crafts. Also, it is important to get all recommended health screenings regu- larly. Managing health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol is important too. Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the medications you take and any possible side effects on memory, sleep and how your brain works. To learn more about how to move or exercise in a healthy way, ask your health care provider about your personal situation.

Spring SUNDAY BRUNCH

Sunday, April 19th 11am–2pm Action stations with scrumptious brunch fare Waffle topping station

Gifts for all guests Tour our community Enter to win a movie theater raffle basket!

MUST RSVP BY APRIL 13TH to DSM@mattisoncrossing.com or call 732-333-3605

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY SUPPORT COMMUNITY 93 Manalapan Avenue l Freehold, NJ 07728 732-333-3605 l MattisonCrossing.com

26 The Millstone Times

April 2020