Prevention is the best approach, but fresh research shows that even early signs of dementia can be eased with one simple trick.
Two Glasses of Orange Juice a Day Can Bring Improvement
Drinking two glasses of orange juice daily may help older adults’ brains work better. Changes can be noticed in as little as two months: reaction time, communication skills, and memory can improve by up to 10%—according to a recent study.
Researchers at Reading University asked 37 healthy volunteers to drink 500 ml (about two glasses) of orange juice every day for eight weeks.
The group, made up of 24 women and 13 men aged between 60 and 81, showed significant improvements in most brain functions by the end of the study.
Scientists believe the key is the flavonoids found in oranges, which are abundant in the juice.
Flavonoids are also present in tea, cocoa, and red wine, but the study found orange juice is a better choice because its flavonoids are absorbed more easily.
There Are Some Cautions
Orange juice not only supports mental sharpness in older age but is also rich in fiber and vitamin C. Still, doctors warn against replacing your entire daily fluid intake with it.
Its sugar content is nearly as high as soda’s, and a 2011 study found that regularly drinking more than three glasses a day may increase the risk of certain cancers linked to high sugar intake.
So, it’s best to stick to two glasses daily and enjoy your juice with meals to reduce its impact on your teeth, dentists advise.
What Else Can You Do to Keep Your Brain Sharp as You Age?
Previous studies confirm that staying physically and mentally active delays dementia and eases its symptoms. Regular light exercise helps a lot, as does daily brain training. Crossword puzzles, practicing a musical instrument, or even learning a new language can all keep your mind sharp.
Psycholinguists say learning a foreign language in later life can boost communication skills, improve memory, and help maintain overall mental fitness.
We Live Long, but How Matters
“The global population is aging rapidly,” notes Dr. Daniel Lampfort, the study’s lead author. “By 2100, the number of people over 60 could triple. That’s why it’s so important to start understanding now how to live not just longer but active, quality lives.”
