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Decades ago, people believe that senility or frequently forgetting a lot of things is a fact of life for old people. For them, there is nothing that one can do but gracefully accept that at a certain age, probably 70 or 80, one will start to show signs of cognitive function decline.

In recent years, however, researchers have discovered that it is never too late to start to boost your brainpower. If you want to maintain a sharp mind and a keen memory, all you have to do is to eat healthy, drink supplements and exercise both your body and mind.

Physical Exercise Is Also Good For The Mind

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2004 showed that people aged 71 to 93 who walked over 3 kilometers a day were twice more unlikely to develop dementia than those who walked less than a kilometer everyday. Furthermore, women between 71 and 80 who clocked 90 minutes of walking a week did a lot better on cognitive examinations than those who had sedentary lifestyle.

Several studies have shown that increased exercise, even just walking, is crucial in keeping a healthy mind. Experts are not really sure how much exercise and physical activities old people need to perform in order to have a boost on their cognitive functions. It is important to note, however, that regular exercise aids in keeping a healthy blood flow. These activities may also help in creating and maintaining new nerve connections in the brain.

Another benefit of exercise is that it aids in keeping glucose levels normal. Glucose is important in the proper functioning of the brain, so even a slight decline in the level of glucose may have a great impact on brain functions of an old person. A research conducted by the New York University's Center for Brain Health showed that people who have problematic glucose tolerance did not only perform badly in memory tests, but also showed signs of brain shrinkage compared to those who had normal glucose tolerance or control.

Exercise does not really have to be boring or confined in a gym. Old people can find physical activities that they like, such as strolling in the park with colleagues, wading in the pool for a couple of hours, and playing bowling or badminton.

Mind Aerobics Is Essential

Another crucial factor in keeping the brain healthy is through mental exercises. If you don't bother about using your brain, then there is a big likelihood that you will lose it. Our brain functions are impaired or greatly diminished if not used regularly, much like our muscles atrophy when not utilized or exercised.

Nowadays, there are many ways in which you can improve your memory and brain functions. One of which is by enrolling in a brain booster class. There are many institutions in the US that are offering classes specifically designed for old people who want to keep their cognitive functions at their peak.

Reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing board games, enrolling in school, or learning a new language are just some ways wherein you can help boost your mental functions. It is really never too early or too late to start doing mental exercises.

Experts believe that doing mental aerobics can help prevent or delay the development of Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. If your family has a history of dementia, there is a big chance that you will also develop this disease. However, mental exercises can significantly delay the development of such condition for weeks, months and even years.

Aside from physical and mental exercise, you also have to pay attention to what you eat and drink. Try increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits because they contain vitamins and minerals that are important in helping promote brain health. You may also need to take supplements that help maintain the health of your nerves and arteries so a healthy blood flow to your brain is ensured. One brain-boosting supplement that you may want to try is Neurovar. You can visit www.Neurovar.com for more details about brain health.