What Are Ways for the Elderly to Improve Their Cognitive Abilities?

"I think, therefore I am" is a well known statement made by philosopher, Rene Descartes. In thinking we are practicing a scientific concept called cognition. Cognition is the process of recognizing, interpreting, judging, and reasoning. When we grow older cognitive processes are damaged by diseases and disorders. But there are ways to slow this degeneration and actually improve cognitive abilities.

Physical Exercises

• Exercising regularly increases blood flow and assists in development of new brain cells. It also reduces risks for getting cardiovascular disease. The elderly who walk between six and nine miles per week were found to have more brain cells than those who did not walk as much, according to a study by the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers concluded that those who walked the most reduced risk of developing memory loss by almost half.

Eat Well

• Nutrition has been shown to play a role in how we think and process information. "Older people who consume a diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereal, and fish -- the Mediterranean way of eating -- and who are physically active have a reduced risk for Alzheimer disease," according to a 2009 article published in "Neurology Today" the journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Socialize

• Getting plenty of social contact by attending activities or social networking on the Internet helps keep the mind active and sharp. Contact with friends and family challenges the brain to think of new things and problems to solve. Attending a local senior center, book club or other activity helps improve cognitive function. It also reduced stress that causes hormone levels of cortisol to increase and leads to weight gain and memory loss.

Sleep

• Sleep deprivation is common at all ages, but is especially dangerous for the elderly. Inadequate sleep substantially reduces growth of vital neurons in the area of the brain that affects memory, decision making and concentration. Getting a good night's sleep also alleviates depression and other mental disorders.

Exercise Your Mind

• "Use it or lose it" is a common phrase that when applied to memory becomes an important element in elderly cognitive abilities. Like getting physical exercise, a healthy dose of mental exercises keeps your mind in shape. Reading, doing puzzles, and playing games involving strategy keeps you alert. Bridge and chess are great sources of mental stimulation. Learning new things such as a foreign language significantly stimulates mental activity.

Don't Smoke

• Smoking speeds up decline in cognitive functions of the elderly. Smoking constricts arteries that supply oxygen to the brain and accelerates vascular disorders. The rate of decline among the elderly was determined to be "an average of five times higher ... in current smokers than those who never smoked," according to a March 2004 article in "Neurology."