Last weekend I attended the Smarter Next Year Seminar with Dr. David Bardsley. Below are some of the most important take aways.
1. 50% of the population show initial signs of MCI (mild cognitive impairment) by age 40.
2. We can actually IMPROVE cognitive function with some simple things we SHOULD be doing anyway.
*STRESS MANAGEMENT is imperative! Stress does terrible things to the mind and body. It increases CORTISOL and an excess of cortisol inhibits immune system, promotes muscle and protein breakdown, increases fat and shortens telomeres, which causes aging. Adrenaline & Noradrenalin increase heart rate, blood pressure and vasoconstriction, which shunts blood away from the brain and torso organs and increases blood flow to the limbs. MANAGE YOUR STRESS with things such as meditation, mindfulness (you can't afford negative thoughts! Learn to control them!) and yoga.
*PHYSICAL ACTIVITY that significantly increases heart rate will promote neurogenesis and balance neurotransmitters. Plain and simple - MOVE IT! EXERCISE! GET YOUR HEART RATE UP FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!! Exercise is a TWO FOR ONE...it aids in neurogenesis AND helps reduce stress!
*SLEEP!!! Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is one of the simplest methods of decreasing stress.
In summary, keep your mind and body healthy each and every day by reducing stress, exercising and getting ample sleep! YOLO!
Before the seminar started, I hiked Shaw Butte Summit! Little did I know I was improving my cognitive ability just by raising my heart rate!