50 ways to boost your brain power

The AARP has compiled a massive list comprising 50 ways your aging loved one can improve their brain functions. And since keeping your brain active is one of the best ways to help stave off the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia, it would definitely benefit anyone to go through this list and heed the advice it doles out.

We’ve picked out some of the more interesting revelations presented by the list below:

• Leave your comfort zone – Once a favorite task or activity becomes too easy, move on to something else. The challenge of learning a new skill can do wonders for stimulating the brain.
• Sip red wine, judiciously – The minerals in red wine not only aid in cardiovascular functions, but could also prevent free radicals from damaging brain cells. This only works if it’s consumed in moderation however, which equates to no more than two glasses for women and three for men in a week.
• Pick up an instrument – Music stimulates our brains, but playing an instrument can also aid greatly in brain stimulation. So shut off that TV and get to making music!
• Switch hands – Using your non-dominant hand to perform common tasks can get the mind out of automatic mode and create new brain cells.

Read the whole article here.

Foods that help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s

It is a sad fact of our time that there is no cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s, but it’s been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so here’s a quick list of foods that can help stave off the occurrence of these dire mental deficiencies.

• Red wine
• Dark chocolates
• Asparagus
• Clams
• Walnuts
• Wild Salmon
• Apples
• Turmeric
• Cherries

At the core of this list are the vitamins and minerals that directly contribute to brain and body health like flavonoids, folate, B12, and Omega-3 and 6 oils. With the holiday season upon us, this list could help give your holiday meal a mind-healthy angle. And since wild salmon is especially easy to come by here in Vancouver, there’s no excuse finding ways to incorporate these ingredients in your holiday meals creatively!