Alzheimer's+and+the+brain

As part of the multipart series on Alzheimer’s disease, we will consider brain health. The health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, and playing – even sleeping. These steps might also reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. **Make brain-healthy life choices ** Like other parts of your body, your brain may lose some agility as you get older. It can deteriorate even more if you don’t take care of it. You can do everything “right” and still not prevent Alzheimer’s disease. What’s offered here is the best and most up-to-date information available so that you can make your own decisions about your health. ** [|Stay physically active] ** Physical exercise is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells. It also can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, and thereby protect against those risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementias. ** [|Adopt a brain-healthy diet] ** Research suggests that high cholesterol may contribute to stroke and brain cell damage. A low fat, low cholesterol diet is advisable. And there is growing evidence that a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidants, may help protect brain cells. ** [|Remain socially active] ** Social activity not only makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, it can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells ** [|Stay mentally active] ** Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells.
 * Brain Health **