Simple steps to healthy aging

- Thu, 20 Sep 2007

What you do now can play a significant role in whether you develop Alzheimer's Disease in old age, according to  British nutrition expert Professor Patrick Holford.  "Only one in a hundred cases are caused by genes, so it is very likely the majority can be avoided through diet and lifestyle measures." he said.

Professor Holford told London's Sunday Mirror his seven step healthy lifestyle plan to protect your brain.

1. Boost Vitamin B.
Vitamin B helps break down an amino acid called homocysteine. It is now understood that Alzheimer's may be triggered by a toxic build-up of this acid. B vitamins are found in green leafy vegetables and beans.

2. Eat more fish
 Studies have found that people who eat oily fish two more more times a week have a significantly reduced risk of contracting Alzheimer's. Oily fish is a rich source of Omega 3 and reduces the harmful brain inflammation which occurs with Alzheimer's.

3. Say yes to smart fats
Not all fats are created equal. Lecithin granules (sprinkled onto cereal) and eggs (opt for those enriched with Omega-3) contain phospholipids, dubbed the 'smart fats'.

4. Colourful fruit & veggies boost antioxidants
Antioxidants destroy free radicals, which are harmful particles that contribute to ageing and are a factor in Alzheimer's disease. If you can't get enough in your diet then take a daily multi vitamin.

5. Get regular exercise
In addition to keeping you physically fit, exercise is known to boost the brain's alertness and capacity for memory.

6. Get a specialised health check
Ensure your body isn't building up toxic levels of Alzheimer's-creating homocysteine and other nasties now before it is too late.

7. Keep your brain active
Mentally active people stay mentally fit throughout their lives.

At HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness, a full analysis of your physical health and well being is part of your initial assessment before being prescribed a personalised ageing protection plan. Headstrong can ensure your brain stays in peak mental condition with its scientifically formulated brain games. These computer-based puzzles and activities target the areas of the brain associated with memory. concentration and co-ordination. Regularly doing brain games now can help stave off age related memory loss and protect against Alzheimer's.