In Psychology Today (December’ 05) there is a wonderful article written by Carlin Flora on the art of keeping our mind sharp. According to a research a good
heart protects your
brain from cognitive deterioration as you
age. According to psychologist Ian Cook when there is a narrowing of blood vessels anywhere in the body the brain unfortunately is not spared. If you are able to keep your heart
healthy you brain will also be healthy till the old age.
She referred to a new study conducted at the UCLA Neuropsychiatry Institute. It says that minor
damage in the brain caused by mini-strokes progresses more extensively in people with common heart-
health risk factors. This kind of brain damage was until recently thought to be a normal consequence of aging. The study sheds light on why some people age successfully, while others falter.
Preventive measures are key to protecting both cardiovascular and mental health. According to Cook when there is a narrowing of blood vessels anywhere in the body the brain, unfortunately, is not spared. Most people
start making changes in their lifestyle only after they've had a stroke or heart attack. But Cook and his colleagues suggest that you clean up your act while you still have a healthy brain. On average, mini-strokes start to occur when people reach 60. So act now to prevent them.
The writer says that there are many ways to ward off cardiovascular damage and thereby keep a sharp mind. She has suggested to quit smoking, consume less saturated fat, control high blood pressure, not to let diabetes go untreated, take supplements of omega-3 fatty acids as aspirin is good for heart. Diet and exercise are the twin pillars of any plan to get your heart and brain in line.
I recommend this excellent article to the readers of this site.
More reviews about the How to Keep Your Mind Sharp Till Old Age