Anna Marie Ellison here again for the next series of Grit & Grace. Today, I'm switching things up a bit because I just visited my grandmother, Nana, down in Florida. She's in a fantastic facility that takes great care of her, but this visit was tough. She's been showing more signs of dementia and Alzheimer's since the last time I saw her.
For those of you who've dealt with a family member with these illnesses, you know how hard it is. On my drive back home, a four-hour trip, I couldn't stop thinking about her condition and what it might mean for my own health. Both of my grandmothers had Alzheimer's, so it's definitely on my mind. They say cognitive issues can run in families, and women seem to be more at risk, partly because we live longer and maybe because we don't always take the best care of ourselves.
This series is all about health, and during my drive, I listened to podcasts about dementia. They all had similar advice on how to prevent cognitive decline, so I thought I'd share some quick tips we can all use to set ourselves up for a healthy future:
Stay Active: Regular exercise like walking, yoga, or strength training can really boost brain health.
Eat Smart: A balanced diet with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats is key. Think Mediterranean!
Challenge Your Mind: Keep your brain busy with reading, puzzles, or learning something new.
Stay Connected: Keep up with friends and join community activities to support your mental health.
Prioritize Sleep: Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night for a sharp mind.
Manage Stress: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to keep stress in check.
Regular Check-Ups: Visit your doctor regularly to manage any chronic conditions.
Healthy Habits: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to keep your brain healthy.
Reflecting on my drive, I realized how important it is to take care of myself now for the sake of my future self. I'd love to hear from you all – what are you doing to prevent cognitive decline?
I recently chatted with Meag, who was on last week, about creatine's benefits for brain health. It's not just for physical recovery but also helps with mental clarity. While I'm no doctor, I'm all about being the best version of myself so I can be the best mom, broker, wife, and friend.
Drop your thoughts and tips in the comments! Taking care of our health today means setting ourselves up for a bright future. Thanks for listening and joining me on this journey. Have a great weekend! 🌸
