Brain Foods to prevent Dementia: Diet for Alzheimers to increase Brain Power

The correct diet, incorporating certain ‘brain-friendly’ foods and following specific guidelines can help keep the brain agile, increase brain power and can prevent the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.

As per research studies individuals, who are engaged in a stimulating and engrossing profession are less likely to develop symptoms of Alzheimer’s and suffer from Dementia. Their work acts like a buffer, thwarting the brutal effects of Dementia.

Dementia is a symptom which is often associated with a host of chronic disease conditions. Dementia is characterized by reduced brain power and power brain functioning which in turn affects different functions like memory, thinking, judgement and language. Alzheimer's is one of the most common cause of Dementia, especially in the elderly individuals.
Alzheimer’s is a age-related, degenerative brain disease, that is typified by a decline in the memory and a diminution in the mental functioning of the brain.

Reduction in acetylcholine levels, a vital neuro-transmitter is the chief cause for Alzheimer’s disease. Acetylcholine is indispensible for memory and recall capacity. Some of the common symptoms associated with dementia and Alzheimers include,

• Memory loss and forgetfulness
• Decreased cognitive power and reduced concentration
• Can not conduct day to day activities
• Continual mental decline

Though the causative factors of Dementia and Alzheimers have not been clearly identified, there are certain predisposing factors tht may contribute to the condition,

• Genetic predisposition and heridity is considered to play a crucial role
• Injury to the skull or brain damage is considered to increase the risk of dementia
• Constant exposure to poisonous toxins which in turn may result in oxidative damage to the brain

Here are some simple dietary suggestions and foods that can help improve brain power and keep dementia and mental problems at bay,

1. Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency is associated with Dementia. Hence, step up your daily consumption of green leafy vegetables, cow's milk, yogurt, peas, and eggs.These are great sources of Vitamins and Folic Acids

2. Incorporate Flax seed Oil, Fish Liver Oil, and nuts like Walnuts, almonds and cashewnuts in your daily diet. These are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids, which is an essential fatty acid and helps stave off the development of dementia and maintains healthy brain power.

3. Carotenes are potent antioxidants that prevent oxidative damage to the brain. Tomatoes, bell peppers, papayas, mangoes, and melons are brilliant sources of these anti-oxidants.

4. Avoid refined and processed foods and also avoid trans fats. These foods are known to cause hormonal imbalances in the body which in turn may affect the overall mental functions.

5. Herbs like Cinnamon and Saffron are considered very good to increase brain power and prevent dementia. Sprinkle a few drops of the herb on raw honey and consume the paste about once each day to maintain healthy mental functions, espeically at an elderly age.

Here are some simple tips that can help improve brain power and enhance different mental functions including memory and cognitive functions.

1. Staying mentally active is important to increase and mantain brain power and improve mental function. Always try to learn new skills, which you dont already possess. Learning new skills creates new connections form between nerve cells; and helps the cells correspond better with one another. Accordingly, this helps the brain to gather, process, estimate, scrutinize and store data effortlessly, no matter, what the age. Learn a new language or a computer program. Involve yourself in an online research study. All these activities will keep the brain active, agile and healthy.

2. Yoga and Mediation are also considered to be highly beneficial in improving mental skills and enhancing mental health

3. Solve a crossword puzzle daily. It sharpens sharpen your intellect.

4. Reading perks up the brain’s functioning and maintains a good memory for longer. You could read a book or a journal or any content online. A minimum reading of half an hour a day is recommended to keep the brain active and improve brain power.

5. Pursue a hobby. Study a foreign language, craft and art, pottery, music, sewing, cooking or gardening; they all keep you occupied and check stagnation.

6. Interact with lots of people, it keeps you agile mentally.Interactions not only help you learn new things but also keeps you emotinally satisfied.

7. Mudra therapy ( a type of yoga) is very effective in enhancing mental health and functions