Good Lifestyle

We all know the feeling of cerebral fog, when your mind is blurry, slow, A little forgotten , and just slightly out of his game. These types of cognitive complaints are generally not worrying, says Clifford Segil , DO, neurologist At the Providence Center in Providence Saint John in Santa Monica, California. However, they can disrupt your daily life - and they are more likely to do it right now, while we are entering the cold and dark winter months, depending on the search.

A 2018 study Determined that cognitive faculties tend to culminate during summer and fall, then decreases in winter and early spring. "There was a robust association between the season and cognition," said the study. In fact, seasonal changes were "equivalent in fact cognitive to 4.8 years of age difference", which makes the subjects more likely to meet "criteria of light cognitive disability or dementia" in winter, compared to in the summer.

The good news? There are several ways to beat your winter fog if it bothers your life. Read the rest to learn the six ways to feel better quickly and stay live in the long term, according to doctors.

In relation: People who live at 100 have these 3 things in common, new research shows .

As Segil explains, "" brain fog "is not a medical term and its definition will not be found in any medical text". However, this does not mean that it cannot indicate a serious underlying health problem.

He says that patients who complain of being "slow or not sharp" for an extended period of time should visit their doctor to be assessed for metabolic causes. "Often, they can announce Conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism and less likely anemia, "he says Better life.

Segil adds that you should see a neurologist if you have more specific cognitive symptoms in addition to your "brain fog". These could include episodes of tremors or focal weakness, which could suggest a deeper structural problem in the brain.

But the medical problems aside, there are tips for getting rid of the fog of the winter brain.

In relation: "Solar Winter" is there - how to prevent it from ruining your mood, say the therapists .

According to Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation (ARPF), Regular physical exercise Can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease up to 50%. However, this can also be beneficial for people who experience minor and seasonal changes in cognition.

"The objective is to exercise 30 to 45 minutes a day, four to five days a week," explains Verna R. Porter , MD, a certified neurologist from the board of directors And director of dementia, Alzheimer's disease and neurocognitive disorders of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute of Santa Monica, California.

Bring says that the exercise can slow existing cognitive deterioration by stabilizing older brain connections, called synapses, and helping to make the new connections possible. It recommends a combination of aerobic exercises and strength training, including cycling, walking, swimming and resistance training.

A factor contributing to the fog of the winter brain is that many people tend to be less social during the cold winter months. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Maintaining a solid network of family and friends is very important," said Porter. "Social connections can also be improved through Volunteer organizations , joining various clubs or social group, according to group lessons (for example in a gymnasium or a community college) or go to the community (for example, go to the cinema, by park, museums and other public places). ""

In the situation as a whole, remaining socially engaged can help protect against the disease and dementia of Alzheimer's later in life, adds to Porter.

In relation: Drinking coffee and tea can help prevent two leading diseases, says new science .

Maintaining a healthy diet can also considerably reduce your symptoms of fog from the winter brain, says we wear. She recommends trying Mental food , which is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

This particular diet has 15 food components, including 10 which are specifically beneficial for brain health. These include green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and resveratrol.

"A growing corpus of research has involved a strong link between metabolic disorders (for example diabetes) and altered nerve signaling in the brain. Better food habits can help by reducing inflammation in the brain, which helps its turn to protect the brain, "said wearing Better life.

Pushing your winter fog to stay mentally stimulated is another way to beat your symptoms.

"Remember to take a course or volunteer to keep your brain in good shape while remaining socially committed ... Study a foreign language, practice a musical instrument, learn to paint or sew or read the newspaper or a good Book, "suggests to wear. The doctor adds that "education at any age can protect itself against cognitive decline".

In relation: I am a sleep doctor and it is the red flag n ° 1 that I look .

Another reason for your increased brain fog during the winter months is that fewer hours of daylight can influence the natural production of melatonin of your body, a hormone that helps define your circadian pace. This can leave you tired and groggy, especially if you don't sleep well at night.

"Poor sleep can lead to slow reflection and can also cause a bad mood," said Porter. She adds that more serious cognitive problems such as Alzheimer's disease has long been linked to insomnia and other disturbances related to sleep.

When you feel stressed, it can be difficult to focus on other things - and as we all know, many people experience peak stress during the winter holidays.

Stress can also have longer -term implications for your cognitive health. "Chronic or persistent stress can actually lead to a drop in nerve cells and even death, which can manifest itself as an atrophy (narrowing) of important memory areas in the brain," said Porter. "The dysfunction and degeneration of nerve cells in turn increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia."

The neurologist recommends getting involved in relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, prayer, meditation or yoga, noting that these "can decrease the damaging effects of stress on the brain".

For more health advice sent directly to your reception box, Register for our daily newsletter .