If you decide to stop working out, you know that your physical fitness will begin to decline. The same holds for mental health. Stimulating the brain is key in ensuring that it remains sharp as a person ages.
A study involving more than 1,500 people at least 70 years of age evaluated their risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a disorder that may lead to memory problems such as forgetting where something was left or having trouble coming up with the correct words when having a conversation. The participants engaged in activities such as playing games, doing crafts, or reading books. As expected, those that participated in such activities showed a much lower risk of experiencing cognitive decline.
One study showed that art activities such as quilting and knitting were related to decreased chances of moderate cognitive disability. Also helpful were using a computer and playing sports. Engaging in each of these behaviors was correlated with a decreased likelihood of having MCI by as much as 50 percent.
As to why it is important to participate in cognitive behaviors, they may serve as a marker for a healthier lifestyle, such as a person who likes to read books may be more willing to eat healthily, work out, and positively handle stress.
In older adults with moderate cognitive disability, particular foods that may be helpful for MCI include vitamin B12, which may reduce atrophy of the brain. As they are a primary source of ketone bodies, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) contained in coconut oil and MCT oil may also aid.
Ketones are what the body creates when it turns fat into energy versus glucose, and it has been shown that in older adults with memory problems, MCTs can boost cognitive functioning. Another smart alternative is mushrooms.
To read more, please visit https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/08/01/mild-cognitive-impairment.aspx.
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