By now, you might be aware that a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet can hurt brain function and memory. But there is more to brain health than eating well and being active.
There are several lifestyle habits that may be chipping away at brain health and accelerating cognitive decline. However, the good news is that changing just one habit has the potential to change how your brain works to help you age better. It’s also never too late to start.
Here are four habits that could be deteriorating your memory and thinking ability:
One study, in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia, found that people who dwelled on negative thoughts had more amyloid and tau deposits in the brain, which are hallmark indicators of Alzheimer’s. You can try to spruce up thinking patterns by writing down things you are grateful for and thinking about them.
The takeaway: avoid sugary soda and sweet tea and replace your morning “fruit drink” with some real, fibrous fruit and a glass of water.
If others can hear your earbuds or headphones, the sound is up too high. One way to test the volume is to hold your bud/headphone at arm’s length. If you can hear it, turn it down.
It’s also worthwhile to wear foam earplugs to concerts and sporting events.
