Memory care facilities are a type of long-term care designed specifically to meet the needs of a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. These residences are designed specifically to meet the needs of individuals who are affected by a memory impairment.
Developing a memory impairment is a real fear of mine, as my great-grandmother (Grammy) suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. It was a very sad situation to watch my courageous Grammy decline in this manner, and even more sorrowful to see how my mom and grandmother’s (Nana) mental health were affected by this as well.
Sadly, neither my mom nor Nana made it past sixty years old as a result of their progressive health issues from diabetes, and thus, never had to face a decline in their memory or cognitive functions. So, my earnestness in protecting my brain health as I age is driven by a desire to break the cycle and ensure a healthier future for myself and be around for my sons and potential grandchildren.
Having a sense of purpose as I age is one way to help protect my brain health. According to Psych Central, they report the following findings regarding how a sense of purpose can help protect brain health, “Georgia Bell, a PhD student at University College London and lead author of the study, told Psych Central that purposeful living may be more impactful for reducing MCI risk than happiness due to the differences between eudemonic (e.g., purpose or meaning) and hedonic (e.g., positive affect or pleasure) well-being.
‘People with higher eudemonic well-being may be more likely to engage in other protective behaviors, such as exercise and social interactions,’ Bell said by email.
‘Whilst an individual may gain happiness from these, the goal-oriented pursuit to live in a way that is purposeful [or] meaningful may act as motivation to live a healthier lifestyle.’
- New research shows that positive mental well-being may help protect brain health as we age.
- The findings strongly linked having purpose and meaning in life with a reduced risk for mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
- Meaningful activities that engage the mind, body, and spirit may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias,”.
*MCI (mild cognitive impairment)
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
How to keep your brain healthy as you age
One of the ways I intend to keep my brain healthy as I age is to always have a sense of purpose.
For example, I love animals, specifically dogs, and I usually have at least two K9s at a time, which can keep someone very busy. Recently, I’ve been trying to eat as clean as possible and maintain a healthy diet, which has also led me to consider doing the same for my pets by making homemade dog food with quality ingredients.
For instance, I found the following recipes to implement into my dog’s diet instead of feeding them regular, store-bought kibble or spending an exorbitant amount of money on having someone else do it for me.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance shares the following recipes:
“For a 20-pound dog:
- 1/4 pound of cooked, skinless chicken
- 1 cup of cooked brown rice
- ½ to 1 cup of peas and carrots
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (they recommend Udo’s Oil 3-6-9 Blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon of potassium chloride (a salt substitute).
- 250 mg calcium citrate
- Daily multiple vitamin/mineral supplement (either a vet-recommended supplement or ¼ of a human adult dose)
Allowed substitutions for this recipe include boned fish, lean ground turkey, beef, or lamb as a protein source and potatoes, yams, or pasta as a carbohydrate. As always, the supplements mentioned in this diet are not optional.
Directions
- All proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables should be thoroughly cooked, allowed to cool, and then weighed.
- Combine all ingredients and mix them together well. Make sure the supplements are mixed thoroughly throughout the food.
This recipe provides one day’s worth of food. It can be prepared in the morning, divided into multiple portions for the day, and refrigerated until mealtime,”.
When I am not busy in the kitchen preparing healthy meals for my dogs, here are some other suggestions I can try doing as a means of keeping my brain healthy:
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Get enough sleep
- Eat a healthy diet
- Manage stress
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Challenge your brain
- Socialize regularly
- Take up hobbies
- Control chronic conditions
- Get regular checkups
- Protect against head injuries
- Get enough sunlight
- Try new things
- Stay curious
Thankfully, I am a lover of the great outdoors and live in Pure Michigan, which has a multitude of outdoor activities to explore and stay active – especially in my own “backyard”. Where I live in the Southeast portion of The Mitten, we have many inland lakes all within a stone’s throw of each other.
Most notably, we lay claim to more than three hundred and eighty-seven lakes, and of those lakes, three hundred and seventeen are named, while seventy are unnamed lakes.
Furthermore, within a ten-mile radius of my home, there are three State Parks with camping and lakes, two Metroparks with multiple lakes, as well as numerous county, city, and township parks.
What are the three superfoods for your brain?
Foods that are best for a brain-healthy diet include, but are not limited to, fatty fish like salmon, dark berries, and dark leafy greens. Let’s see what the experts have to say.
Healthline reports this list of superfoods for your brain:
- Fatty fish
- Coffee
- Berries
- Turmeric
- Broccoli
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dark chocolate
- Nuts
- Oranges
- Eggs
- Green tea,”.
Can a sense of purpose help protect brain health
In conclusion, prioritizing brain health through a balanced lifestyle can significantly impact our overall well-being. By taking proactive steps now in my fifties, I can pave the way for a healthier, more fulfilling future as I (hopefully) gracefully age into my Golden Years.
