More than 46 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, caused by both Alzheimer’s and other progressively degenerative conditions, according to the World Alzheimer Report. And while experts had been saying for years that loading up on fatty acids (think: fish oil) is key for keeping the mind sharp, a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that omega-3s might not actually reduce people’s chances of dementia after all.
Researchers looked at 4,203 people at risk for developing age-related macular (eye) degeneration (a condition that shares clinical features with Alzheimer's), with an average age of 72. The study found that taking a fish oil supplement didn’t improve the subjects' scores on a cognitive skills test.
So what’s a girl to do to take care of her mind? Three small tweaks to your lifestyle could help.
1. Stay fit, and go easy on the alcohol. Thomas Wisniewski, M.D., director of the Center for Cognitive Neurology at NYU Langone Medical Center, says “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain long-term.” Exercising regularly and cutting back on booze can both help boost your brain (and heart) health later in life.
2. Stick to a Mediterranean-style diet, says Dr. Wisniewski. Try to eat only healthy fats—think coconut oil, dairy, and grass-fed meats—and avoid trans fats in fried and packaged foods, says Ginnie Love, Ph.D., a psychotherapist based in Orlando.
3. Keep your brain active with continued learning. Love recommends doing an activity that’s not just mentally stimulating but also fun so that you’re more likely to keep it up: “Take a Mandarin class with a friend, for instance, and plan a trip to China once you've achieved your goal.” (That's a brilliant reason to book a vacation if we've ever heard one!)
Fuente: www.glamour.com
