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Improving Mental Sharpness & Cognitive Performance

From the Show: Naturally Savvy
Summary: If you can identify the early signs of a faulty brain, there are many tactics you can utilize to slow or even stop the progression.
Air Date: 7/13/16
Duration: 10
Host: Andrea Donsky, RHN and Lisa Davis, MPH
Guest Bio: Steven Masley, MD
Steven-MasleySteven Masley, M.D., is a physician, nutritionist, author, speaker, and award-winning patient educator. He has devoted his medical career to the study of heart disease and aging, and has published significant research on these subjects in leading medical journals. His passion is empowering people to achieve optimal health through comprehensive medical assessments and lifestyle changes.

Dr. Masley has received the award of Fellow from three prestigious organizations: the American Heart Association, the American College of Nutrition, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida, and he teaches programs at Eckerd College. Dr. Masley sees patients from across North America at the Masley Optimal Health Center in St Petersburg, FL. 

Dr. Masley has published several health books, SMART FAT, The 30 Day Heart Tune-Up, Ten Years Younger, and numerous scientific articles. His work has been featured on the Discovery Channel, the Today Show, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), plus over 250 media interviews. He also completed a chef internship at the Four Seasons Restaurant in Seattle and has performed cooking demonstrations at Canyon Ranch, Pritikin Longevity Center, and on multiple television appearances.
Improving Mental Sharpness & Cognitive Performance
As you get along in years, you may notice slight instances of memory loss... losing your keys, forgetting where you parked your car at the market, going into a room and not remembering why. 

It's important to pay attention to such occurrences, because they are indeed early signs of cognitive decline. 

If you let it get to the point of advanced memory loss, there's nothing you can do at that point.

But, if you can identify the early signs of a faulty brain, there are many tactics you can utilize to slow or even stop the progression.

What are some of those tactics?

Dr. Steven Masley joins host Lisa Davis to share the top tips for preserving brain health and even improving brain function.

Diet & Nutrition
Fiber is essential (more vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts). Getting an abundance of fiber in your diet has been shown in research to predict a higher brain score, and better memory and brain usage. B12, mixed folates and fish oil are also important. Coconut oil has been shown to slow cognitive decline (but not necessarily improve brain function). 

Learning New Things 
The old directive was to do crossword and other brain-stimulating puzzles. But, that's only effective if you've never done those puzzles before. Once you've mastered Sudoku, you're not really benefiting your brain. Learn a new language. Try eating with your non-dominant hand. Take an unknown way home from the office.

Exercise & Fitness
The more active you are, the better you're able to stave off cognitive decline. Aim to get some exercise in every single day.