Some previous studies have shown that genes can determine whether people have dementia or not. But scientists at the University of California (USA) claim that we can find ways to keep the brain in its best shape. They tested the cognitive abilities of 2,500 people aged 70-79 over eight years.

Brain function of more than half of the study subjects declined due to old age, 16% experienced significant impairment of memory and thinking ability during the study period. But it is worth noting that 30% of the participants still maintain a stable level of nerve activity.

Then scientists find out what factors make the difference above. The results showed that sports training, study, smoking habits and social activities played a key role. The team found that people who exercised moderate or at least once a week had a 30% higher chance of maintaining a clear mind than those who never exercised or did not regularly.

Students who reach upper secondary school or above are three times more likely to maintain a steady level of cognitive ability than those with lower education. The difference increases if the highly educated person continuously improves knowledge (such as exploring new fields, learning more foreign languages).

The habit of smoking also reduces our cognitive ability, because non-smokers have twice as sharp thinking abilities than smokers in old age. Certain social activities are also good for the brain. The research team found that individuals who liked to participate in social activities were 24% more likely to maintain sharp thinking than others.

"Finding factors related to cognitive ability can help people find effective strategies to prevent dementia. We can completely change some. factors, like sports training and smoking, "says Alexandra Fiocco, team leader.

Many previous studies have also demonstrated that, when humans exercise, our bodies release a number of growth factors. These growth factors increase the ability of nerve cells to function.

Exercise is a natural way to power your brain and even create new neurons in the brain. Regular exercise also prevents cognitive decline and helps you avoid mental health problems.

Studies show that dancing improves your brain function. Meanwhile, yoga not only improves your mood and concentration, it also enhances your awareness and prevents cognitive decline.

Besides these small habits below also help the brain develop better functions, prevent cognitive decline.

Painting

Most of us tend to think of drawing as an activity just for kids, but it's actually quite useful for adults. Painting stimulates your right brain hemisphere and enhances your creativity.

Drink fish oil

Fish oil contains many ingredients that build up your meninges. Drinking it regularly improves concentration, strengthens the emotional centers of the brain and increases your overall brain function.

Eat nuts

Studies have shown that eating nuts improves brain function significantly, to the point that students who eat them just before the exam do much better than those who don't.

Deep breath

Go outside for 10 to 15 minutes a day to sit and breathe deeply, increasing your brain's oxygen levels.

Avoid snacking

Fast food reduces your energy and makes your mind confused. To improve brain function, stay away from junk food and start eating healthy meals instead.

Discuss

Argument makes you think quickly and intelligently, thinking about different situations. Get into a mental argument or argument once in a while to get your juices flowing.

Listening to music

Studies have shown that regular music listeners are smarter and more emotionally positive than those who don't. This is because music stimulates your right hemisphere of the brain and even changes its structure.

In particular, listening to classical Western music can improve your math skills, stimulating your left hemisphere. In fact, studies have shown listening to Mozart can improve intelligence by 80%.

Change your habits

When you get stuck in the same routine, your brain becomes dull and lacks creativity. To stimulate it, try to change your routine as often as possible like finding different ways to do things or trying a new meal.

Think positively, avoid stress

Studies have shown that people with positive thoughts have better brain power than those with negative thoughts. Take some time each day to think positively and set goals for yourself, since goal setting also activates a part of your brain that is engaged with positive thinking as well.

While you can't avoid stress completely, try to keep stress levels from getting too high, as cortisol - the stress hormone interferes with brain function and kills your brain cells.

Sleeping enough

Sleep improves your memory, not getting enough sleep can make you forgetful and sluggish.

Laugh often, cry

Laughter not only stimulates the release of endorphins, it also reduces stress and relieves pain, helping your brain function much better.

Besides, crying also increases brain function because it helps the blood circulation to your brain better. It releases emotions and keeps the brain awake.

Solve puzzles, puzzles

Crossword puzzles improve your thinking skills and ability to recall memories. They work perfectly for brain stimulation. You can do a crossword puzzle or a puzzle with the same effect.

Read books, learn a new language

Reading teaches your brain to absorb a lot of information at once, while also improving your memory, critical thinking skills, and vocabulary.

Besides, learning a new language also helps stimulate your brain to think and think.

Avoid taking too many medications

Medications interfere with your brain function and destroy your brain cells. In fact, different drugs have different effects, including from brain bleeding and impaired nerve growth to damaged brain cells.

Don't watch too much TV

Watching a little bit of television is fine, but avoid watching too much as it can irritate your brain, slow down brain waves and make brain function worse.

Make a question

Make it a habit to ask questions about things you don't understand and ask others for their thoughts on a particular subject. This will put you into your own different ideas and thought-provoking processes.

Drink water

If your body becomes dehydrated, your brain cannot function properly. Studies have shown that people who regularly drink fruit and vegetable juices are less likely to develop Alzheimer's - the most common dementia compared to others.

Source: //khoahoc.tv/nhung-thoi-quen-giup-nao-minh-man-toi-gia-24027