You Can Slow Cognitive Decline — Even If You Are Older
Modify your daily lifestyles and behaviors
At any age, including as a senior, you can slow the progress of normal cognitive decline and slow and possibly prevent the onset of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s. The key is how we manage our lifestyles — exercise, diet, stress management, sleep habits, no tobacco, intellectual stimulation, and consistent social engagement. With genuine effort, a senior can even reverse the early signs of cognitive decline.
This is important because most people say they would like to live to a ripe old age, but only if their brains continue working. Here in our retirement community, no one wants heart or kidney disease, cancer, or diabetes, but the one condition that frightens residents the most is dementia. “Without good brain function, it will not be me. Let me go then.” Nevertheless, according to my informal survey, many, if not most, residents believe that it is too late to have any meaningful impact on cognitive decline as well as preventing or slowing Alzheimer’s disease. My message to you is: “It is never too late to start.”
Cognitive decline is normal as we age
Just as all other body organs and systems, such as bone strength, muscle mass and strength, and balance, begin a steady…
