Ways to Increase your Brain Power

There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025; 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that's one every three minutes.

This disease is so close to everyone’s hearts and without a cure the only thing we can do is bring our awareness and attention to increasing our brain power.

How to boost your brain power:

Diet

There are lots of different foods that can help boost your brainpower, try including some of these brain-boosting food in your diet;

Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Foods high in magnesium

Vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower

Complex carbohydrates

Scientists have linked a diet higher in blueberries with quicker learning, better thinking and better memory retention.

Sleep

Sleep is especially necessary for memory functions. Creativity, thinking, cognitive functioning, problem solving and memory are all enhanced by a good nights sleep. Check out our previous blog How Pilates can Help with Sleep Deprivation

Exercise

Physical exercise can enhance the oxygen flow to your brain and releases chemicals that enhance your mood. Activities such as dancing, martial arts and Pilates can help to boost brainpower as they challenge co-ordination, concentration, movement in all directions and breathing techniques. For more benefits of Pilates click here

Keep Hydrated

The brain is about 80% water therefore won’t function as well if you are dehydrated. So drink plenty of water throughout the day.

De-Stress

Managing stress levels is very important as chronic stress can destroy brain cells. Meditation, Yoga and Pilates can help you de-stress and relax your mind & body.

Keep Learning

Give your brain a workout to increase strength and endurance by learning something new. Learning a different language or new skill like playing an instrument and being crafty stimulates different parts of your brain and makes new neuro pathways. Enjoy your new hobby!

Call Alzheimer’s Society National Dementia Helpline on 0300 22 1122 for advice and information.