Are there any exercises that help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s?

When people think about staying fit, they generally think from the neck down. But the health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing and even sleeping. rnResearch indicates that not only do we need to exercise our bodies, but our minds as well. Even as we grow old the brain can grow new neurons (brain cells that communicate with each other) and by staying active and keeping the brain stimulated, you can help prevent age-related memory loss.rnThe good news is that emerging evidence suggests there are steps you can take to help keep your brain healthier as you age. These steps might also reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.rnThe key to a healthy, happy life lies in keeping your brain active and stimulated…here are some tips to help you accomplish this:rnUse the hand you don’t normally…if you are right-handed, use your left hand to operate your computer mouse, brush your teeth, dial the phone, to eat, or use the remote. Your brain is learning a new skill so it may feel uncomfortable at first!rnChange your regular routine – drive a different way to work, try a new form of exercise, keep things unpredictable and you will stimulate your brain!rnTry a new form of physical exercise – take up dancing, tai chi or yoga.rnLearn a foreign language.rnPlay games that stimulate the brain: cards, sudoku, bridge, crossword puzzles, Scrabble.rnTravel – visiting new places can provide stimulation (new sights, experiences, etc.)rnStart a new hobby.rnRead – the more you read the more exercise your brain is getting!rnWalk/Run – Get Physical Exercise! Exercise increases circulation and the oxygen and glucose that reach your brain. Movement and exercise increase breathing and heart rate so more blood flows to the brain enhancing energy production and waste removal.rnBrain exercises to strengthen your memory can just be the repetitive use of any memory techniques. Mentally placing a list of items to be remembered at predetermined locations in your house, and seeing them there in an unusual way, is one such technique. Imagining where you’ll see a person next and calling to them by name in your imagination is a good way to remember names.rnThere is no question that exercising your brain makes it work better. In fact, a more active brain has even been shown to postpone or reduce the incidence of age-related decline of mental function. Why not start today with some simple brain exercises? For more information, visit www.evergreenchoice.com