Aging is unavoidable, but there are many ways to ensure that becoming a senior citizen doesn’t also mean growing old. Following a few simple guidelines can help fight off mental decline, improve overall health and reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), cognitive health is defined as the ability to clearly think, learn and remember. However, it is just one aspect of the overarching category known as brain health – or how well a person’s brain functions across the board. The NIA describes the aspects of brain health as:

• Cognitive health - how well you think, learn and remember.
• Motor function - how well you make and control movements, including balance.
• Emotional function - how well you interpret and respond to both pleasant and unpleasant emotions.
• Tactile function - how well you feel and respond to sensations of touch - including pressure, pain and temperature.

Factors for mental health decline

Taking care of one’s mental health means living a lifestyle in which proper eating and consistent exercise play key roles. It also means working to counteract the effects of other diseases and health issues, such as:

• High blood pressure.
• Heart disease.
• Medication side effects.
• Diabetes.
• Vitamin deficiencies.
• Alzheimer's disease/dementias.
• Substance abuse.
• Strokes.
• Infections.
• Depression.
• Delirium.

Protecting and strengthening mental health

As we age, brain functions can diminish, causing varying stages of loss of function. However, changes to diet and consistent exercise can have a significant impact on declination of cognition. Ways to improve mental health include:

*Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise regimen