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5 Ways To Prevent Dementia, Says Dr. Sanjay Gupta

“The key to treating dementia is prevention,” says Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s senior medical correspondent and practicing neurosurgeon, in his most recent book Stay Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age. Gupta notes that brain changes that lead to dementia begin 20 to 30 years before a diagnosis is made, making prevention an urgent and worthwhile goal. “And it just so happens that you can do the same to reduce your risk of disease, to improve the quality of your life while you are living with the disease, ”he adds. These are five ways you can prevent dementia now and live a better life today. Read on to learn more – and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss this one Sure signs that you may already have COVID. had.

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This is the most important thing you can do to keep your brain healthy, says Gupta. “Exercise, both aerobic and non-aerobic (strength training), is not only good for the body, it’s even better for the brain,” he writes in Keep Sharp. “The relationship between physical fitness and brain fitness is clear, direct and powerful.” He recommends regular exercise, be it climbing stairs instead of an elevator or strenuous exercise. If you exercise regularly, Gupta suggests mixing up your routine.

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“Social interaction is one of the big predictors of neurogenesis,” or the formation of new brain cells that prevent dementia, Gupta said in the South China Morning Post. “Social interaction is at the top of the list when it comes to creating new brain cells. It has long been known that connecting with others is important. But we now know that it leads to the release of certain hormones like oxytocin that promote neurogenesis. “

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“There is a flushing cycle that happens in your brain when you sleep,” said Gupta. “They basically eliminate metabolic waste products. This happens when you are awake, but the process is nearly 60 percent more efficient while you sleep. They remove plaque and tangles and all of the things that lead to dementia help the brain function more smoothly. ”

How much sleep do you need “Seven to nine hours if you can make it, “said Gupta Terry Gross on NPR’s Fresh Air. That probably means you spent a large part of your evening solidifying memories and doing the rinse.”

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In the book, Gupta says that what “is good for the heart is good for the brain” and that “living clean can reduce your risk of developing serious mentally damaging disorder, including Alzheimer’s disease, even if you carry genetic risk factors.” . ” He advocates a heart-healthy diet with lots of omega-3 fatty acids from natural sources, small portions, little sugar and plenty of water. Sanjay says he personally eats very little meat and overall less throughout the day – breakfast “like a king”, lunch “like a prince” and dinner “like a beggar”.

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Doing new things is literally exercise for the brain. Gupta recommends reading a book that doesn’t suit your usual interests; attend a cooking, art, or education course; join a writing group; or learn a new language. And to stay healthy in general, Get vaccinated, if available, and do not visit them to protect your life and the lives of others 35 places where you are most likely to get infected with COVID.

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