The best brain health vitamins for seniors are vitamins B12, D, and E. These should be used in conjunction with healthy habits, such as regular physical activity, mental stimulation, and quality sleep.
A study by Gracner et al. says that over 10% of older American adults experience cognitive impairment from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. An additional 15% to 22% experience mild cognitive impairment.
Dementia and Alzheimer's can be devastating diseases to go through, and they're not preventable. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you're helpless against cognitive issues.
If seniors in Bakersfield, CA take the right brain health vitamins and adopt healthy habits, then they can keep their cognitive health up, and as a result, maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Nutrition and aging can be challenging to get right, especially as your needs change throughout the years. To help you out, here are some memory boosters for seniors you should take.
As far as brain support supplements, vitamin B12 is definitely a must. This vitamin plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy nerve cells and supporting proper brain function. You can get it from:
But as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing vitamin B12 from food, so deficiency is common in older adults. This is why supplements can be beneficial.
Vitamin D is known for its bone health benefits, but it does more than that. It also plays an important role in:
Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, but seniors are prone to deficiency since they get reduced sun exposure and decreased absorption. You can get more of it from fortified foods and supplements.
Vitamin E can protect your brain cells from oxidative stress, which is one of the major contributors to cognitive aging. You can get it from:
By getting adequate vitamin E through food and supplements, you can slow cognitive decline. This is because the vitamin helps neutralize harmful molecules to preserve brain cell structure and function. It can also support overall circulation and immune function.
In addition to taking brain health vitamins, you should also have good habits. Here are some you can do in regard to healthy routines for brain health.
Surprisingly, physical activity can boost senior cognitive wellness. It increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates the release of growth factors.
Even low-impact exercise can make a huge difference. You can try:
The key is to be consistent; don't focus on the intensity.
This may seem like an obvious habit to have, but it's also one of the most important ones too. By keeping your brain mentally active, you can help maintain cognitive strength and slow age-related decline.
Beneficial activities that can help your brain form new connections and strengthen existing ones are:
Social interaction can be effective as well. Combine them with interactive mental activities, and you'll get a good mix of exercising your thinking, memory, and communication skills.
The goal is to have variety and novelty. Doing new and slightly challenging activities will keep your brain flexible and resilient.
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), older adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy aging brain, so make sure you get enough shut-eye.
During deep sleep, your brain clears out waste products and toxins that have built up during the day, and this includes proteins that are linked to Alzheimer's disease. Plus, poor or insufficient sleep interferes with memory formation, concentration, and emotional regulation.
If you get quality sleep, it'll help:
The Japanese secret to anti-aging isn't one single product or treatment; instead, it's a lifestyle built around consistency, balance, and prevention.
In Japan, people focus on nutrient-dense whole foods, like:
These can all help reduce inflammation, as well as support skin, brain, and heart health.
Another thing the Japanese practice is portion control and "hara hachi bu" (eating until 80% full). In addition, daily movement is key.
Vitamin E and collagen both serve different purposes, so one isn't necessarily better than the other. In fact, they work best together.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, and it helps protect your cells from damage. It also supports:
Collagen is a structural protein, and it helps maintain:
Essentially, vitamin E helps protect existing tissues, while collagen helps rebuild and support them.
There's no plan that can completely prevent dementia, but there are certain habits you can adopt to significantly reduce your risk of dementia and cognitive decline. The 7 you should adopt are:
Keep in mind that consistency matters more than intensity.
Cognitive decline isn't a normal part of aging, so don't be complacent about your health. Start taking the brain health vitamins and try the healthy habits we've mentioned, if you haven't already.
Not only will you enjoy better overall health, but you'll also be more independent. This can then lead to a much better retirement!
Contact us today to schedule a tour of our senior living community in Bakersfield, CA. Columbus Estates has a renters' liability insurance program to ensure that our residents are fully protected financially.