Half a million Americans will be diagnosed with dementia this year. That represents a 42% jump in the risk that someone age 55 or older will develop the life-altering condition. In fact, an NIH-sponsored study in Nature Medicine reveals that half of all adults in the U.S. will experience cognition problems after age 55. And by 2060, there will be a million new cases of dementia a year.
Clearly, it's time to launch a whole-hearted battle against cognition problems and dementia.
Brain health depends on a healthy circulatory system and controlled lipid levels, lack of chronic stress and inflammation, as well as a healthy environment, life-long learning and social connections (your posse).
That means you need a diet that delivers a daily dose of omega-3s (from fatty fish or supplements), lots of fresh fruits and vegetables loaded with fiber and phytonutrients, and vitamins D and B12.
Getting daily exercise also protects your cognition by dispelling stress, promoting epigenetic changes that stimulate the creation of neurons and enhance connections, and promoting the well-being of your organ systems. Healthy sleep habits are also essential. Head to bed around the same time nightly and sleep in a cool, quiet dark room for six to eight hours. Plus, dive into learning a new skill or hobby or playing brain games like Double Decision. Do that with friends for even more benefits.
For more ways to promote life-long brain health, check out "The Great Age Reboot" and "The Brain Diet" with Dr. Oz and neurologist Dr. Majid Fotuhi on Oprah.com.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).