Improving Our Brain and Reducing Our Risk of Alzheimer's Disease in Later Life

In an interview seen recently on television, Daniel Amen, M.D., clinical neuroscientist and adult and child psychologist was talking about his book 'Change Your Brain and Change Your Life'. His book is not only for those suffering from brain injury but apparently has information for everyone on how to increase the potential of our brains.

The following are some things that Dr. Amen claims can improve our brains now but will also lower our risk for Alzheimer's disease in later life:

- to exercise at least four times a week for a minimum of twenty minutes, preferably cardiocvascular exercises;
- to eat a diet high in vegetables (particularly the most colorful vegetables), fruit and fish but little or no red meat;
- to take omega 3 fish oil supplements;
- to take a daily multi-vitamin supplement;
- to eat blueberries (top of the list), cranberries and walnuts;
- to get a minimum of at least seven hours of sleep each night;
- to relax through meditation; and
-to drink a lot of water.

He also recommended that in order to be physically and mentally healthy throughout our lives drinking alcohol to excess and smoking also increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease down the road.

Not only will doing the above, according to Dr. Amen, reduce our risk of Alzheimer's disease, but it will also help those who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder, who are obsessive-compulsive, who have negative thought patterns or inflexibility in their thinking.

Taken from another source is the suggestion that honey and cinnamon when taken together can increase alertness and vitality.

It is important to start looking after our brains as young as possible but as Dr. Amen points out, it is also never too late to start.