Brain power can improve even at the age of 90

 Brain power can improve even at the age of 90

A new study has been made public, challenging the common belief that mental acuity and thinking ability weaken with age.

A study from the University of Texas has found that the brain health of people over the age of 90 can also be improved.

Published in the scientific journal 'Scientific Reports', 3,966 people aged 19 to 94 participated in this research.

According to the research, 5 to 15 minutes of brain exercise daily can significantly improve a person's thinking clarity and emotional balance.

31 Jestha, Kathmandu. A new study has been made public, challenging the common belief that mental acuity and thinking ability weaken with age. A three-year study conducted by researchers at the 'Center for Brain Health' under 'The University of Texas at Dallas' has shown that the brain health of people over the age of 90 can also be improved.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, involved 3,966 people aged 19 to 94.

During the study, participants engaged in a variety of brain-training activities for just 5 to 15 minutes a day. After three years of continuous tracking, researchers found measurable improvements in their thinking clarity, emotional balance, and outlook on life.

To measure this change in brain health, the research team used a special method called the ‘Brain Health Index’. This index evaluates about 20 indicators, including a person’s sleep quality, happiness level, and ability to think complexly.

According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Lori Cook, each person’s brain is as unique as a fingerprint and always has the potential to develop. This study has proven wrong the old belief that the brain must weaken with age.

Another interesting aspect of the study is that participants with the lowest initial brain health scores showed the greatest improvement over time. People with lower scores were more concerned and motivated about their mental health, so they invested more time in the practice, which resulted in better results, the study found. However, signs of improvement were also recorded in people with already good mental abilities.

Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, chief director of the Center for Brain Health, explained that brain capacity is determined not by age but by potential. According to her, efforts to keep the brain healthy before any problems or diseases appear in it are very effective even in old age.

According to the researchers, factors such as a person’s age, gender or educational level do not make a difference in brain improvement, but rather how much a person engages in these exercises plays a key role. To further clarify this issue, more than 1,200 brain scans (brain imaging) of about 400 participants in the Dallas area are also being conducted.

Some of our habits, which can be improved to improve health

 Some of our habits, which can be improved to improve health

Eating late at night increases the risk of diabetes, so you should finish your meal by 8/9 pm and eat light meals.

Eating too fast can cause gastritis, so you should chew your food slowly and thoroughly.

Excessive salt intake increases high blood pressure, so it is recommended to not eat more than 6 grams of salt per day and eat less processed food.

A balanced and healthy lifestyle is essential to prevent and control any disease. Sometimes some habits cause disease. While some promote diseases. If we identify these habits and change them in time, positive improvements in health are possible.

There are some habits, which can be changed to avoid diseases.

1. Diabetes

Eating late at night can cause imbalanced blood sugar levels, which reduces the effect of insulin in the body. This makes it difficult to control sugar. It is better to finish eating by 8/9 pm. Dinner should be light. After eating, you should walk for a while.

2. Migraine

Skipping meals can increase migraine symptoms. Not getting enough nutrition on time can lower blood sugar levels and increase headaches. A regular and balanced diet helps in controlling migraines.

3. Heart disease

Physical inactivity is a major cause of the disease. Not exercising regularly can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. You should do at least 30 minutes of light or moderate exercise daily. You can also walk.

4. Osteoporosis

Complete deprivation of sunlight weakens bones. Spend 15 minutes in the early morning sun and include calcium-rich foods in your diet.

5. Gastritis

Eating too quickly affects the protective layer of the stomach, which causes irritation and gas. You should chew your food slowly and thoroughly.

6. Acid reflux

If you sleep immediately after eating, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus. You should stay active for at least 2 hours after eating. Eat light and less spicy food at night.

7. Stomach problems

Not drinking enough water can cause problems like constipation and acidity. You should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day. So that the digestion process remains smooth and excretion is easy.

8. Liver disease

Excessive oil-spices and processed foods put an extra burden on the liver. Such foods should be avoided. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be prioritized in your daily diet.

9. Dementia

Mental inactivity and watching television for a long time negatively affect brain function. Therefore, you should learn something new every day and exercise your brain.

10. Insomnia

Excessive use of screens, especially before going to bed, affects sleep. You should stop using mobile and television at least 1 hour before going to bed. You should set a regular sleep time.

11. Anxiety

Spending time on social media can increase mental stress. Limit your use of social media. Include meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques in your daily life.

12. High blood pressure

Excessive salt intake can increase blood pressure. Excess salt causes water retention in the body, which increases pressure on the heart. Therefore, you should avoid eating processed and fast foods that are high in salt and should not consume more than 6 grams of salt per day. You should also give up the habit of sprinkling salt on your food.

13. Anemia

Many people drink tea immediately after eating, but this hinders the absorption of iron in the body. Therefore, tea should be drunk at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after eating. Green vegetables, lentils, and iron-rich foods should be prioritized in the diet.