4 ways to keep your brain sharp

Here’s how to keep your brain in shape – dancing, crosswords and eating your greens required!

1. Exercises

Moderate exercise has been shown to help preserve memory. Even 30-40 minutes of brisk walking, three or four times a week, can make a difference, and increased intensity is likely to further enhance this benefit. Exercise, like sleep, is thought to play a major role in helping the brain get rid of toxic substances that kill brain cells. Whatever your age, it is never too late to start gentle exercise.

2. Healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy body weight and composition is also protective against the ravages of this disease. Increased abdominal fat has now been linked to a number of chronic diseases, including .Alzheimer disease Paying attention to diet and exercise can assist this.

3. Diet

One of the keys here is reducing cholesterol and saturated fats, and Australian research has demonstrated the benefits of the so-called Mediterranean diet for this and general well-being. This type of diet is high in antioxidants with a focus on fresh foods, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, low-fat dairy, fruit, a moderate amount of lean meat and 2-3 serves of oily fish per week. Highly processed food, salt and saturated fats should be limited and regarded more as treats.

This diet also helps maintain an adequate consumption of certain important vitamins, particularly the B group – contained in lean meats and eggs, green leafy vegetables and whole grains.

4. Social and mental stimulation

Social and mental stimulation also helps the brain. Staying active is important, whether this is through a social activity as simple as catching up with friends, helping out in the community, or even learning a new language