Desmond Croker RN, Dip. OHS, BSN, MSN, CCDE
March 17 2023
Maintaining mental clarity is crucial to enjoying life and maintaining dignity.
It is also the key to a more robust and healthier body, as the mind controls movements and muscle control.
This article focuses on the issues that people may face regarding cognitive decline as they age and how to combat these issues.
Memory loss is the most commonly associated issue with age-related cognitive decline. Forgetting keys and names is normal with age, but this may progress into more severe forms of cognitive decline, such as dementia and Alzheimer's. Cognitive decline can also be exacerbated by damage to the brain caused by a stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Mild cognitive decline is characterized by slight tiredness and brain fog. This decline may be imperceptible, but individuals may notice a lack of energy or slower thinking processes compared to when they were younger.
Many factors contribute to the changes seen in our abilities and personalities as we age.
However, the right nutrient and supplement regime can mitigate these changes. When used to enhance brain performance, these are called nootropics. Mitochondrial decline and decreased blood flow to the brain are some of the factors that contribute to a decrease in brain energy. Nootropics such as L-carnitine, PQQ, Lutein, creatine, and bitter orange can target these factors. Vasodilators like garlic extract and vinpocetine can increase brain energy by increasing blood flow.
As people age, their moods may change and become angrier more easily. This change in mood may be due to a decrease in brain energy and the frustration that comes with it.
The law of attraction suggests that being angry all the time may lead to fewer opportunities and less enjoyment.
Several strategies can help fine-tune mental clarity. These include regular exercise, a balanced diet, social interaction, and mental stimulation. Reducing stress, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and getting enough sleep can also improve brain function.
Exercise can improve brain function and cognitive abilities. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which can help prevent cognitive decline. Additionally, exercise can improve mood and sleep quality, both of which are essential for maintaining mental clarity.
Mental stimulation can also improve brain function. Brain training exercises such as puzzles, reading, and learning a new skill can enhance cognitive abilities and prevent cognitive decline.
Social interaction is essential for brain health. Research suggests that socializing can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Additionally, socializing can improve mood and reduce stress, both of which are crucial for maintaining mental clarity.
Maintaining mental clarity is crucial to enjoying life and maintaining dignity as people age.
Age-related cognitive decline is normal, but it can be mitigated through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, social interaction, mental stimulation, and stress reduction.
In combination with these strategies, nootropics can also help improve brain energy and prevent cognitive decline.
Sign up to get 10% off your next subscription