Keep your mind and memory active

(WTNH) - Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging -- you are not supposed to get it. Tell that to Maria Tomasetti. Her grandmother and two aunts had Alzheimer's, and her mother died of the disease three years ago.

"What I do is keep learning new things," Maria said. "Keep my mind active."

Most people have memory issues when proteins block the connections between brain cells.
Dr. Stephen Jones, who works at Greenwich Hospital and teaches medicine at Yale, says you need to exercise your brain. It's not static. Those connections between the cells can regenerate.

"Taking on projects which are new challenges for us, getting out of a rut of doing the same thing over and over again," Dr Jones said. "Routine of life is not health for the brain."

Dr. Jones says work out, eat right and watch your blood pressure. Sleeping 7 1/2 to 8 hours a night gives memories time to stick. And force yourself to be social.

"We know people who are isolated and not engaged in society and life are ones that really have a decline in overall health, mental health as well," Dr. Jones said.

Connect with others through music, art and conversation. And laugh. Dr. Jones says silliness is healthy. "Children on average laugh 300 times a day. Adults laugh 17 times."

Maria works at the Alzheimer's Association. She pushes others to change things up.

"If you are brushing your teeth instead of using the toothbrush in your right hand, put it in your left hand," Maria said. "When you shop, put your list down. Try to shop without your list."

Dr. Jones says you can keep your brain sharp by learning a new language, volunteering and by keeping an overall positive attitude.

"If people give up they will deteriorate relatively rapidly," he said. "If they feel they have value and are able to contribute then they will generally be able to step up."

For more information on brain health visit WWW.ALZ.ORG/CT