Take Care of Your Brain

Research suggests that staying mentally active may help preserve cognitive function. Children and young adults build up brain “reserves” by reading and undertaking mental challenges, and older adults can continue to build brain connections through stimulating activities. Building these cognitive reserves is a lifelong process.

A few activities to help form neural connections include:

• Reading progressively more challenging books
• Learning to play a musical instrument
• Studying a new language
• Creating art
• Playing board games, crosswords, and memory games

The brain loves puzzles (and so do we!). Play a round of Sudoku daily to keep your mind active.

Diet plays an important role in the development of many chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. From mood to physical functioning, a healthier diet can protect cognitive function while also improving other aspects of health. Researchers, including numerous BrightFocus Alzheimer’s Disease Research grant recipients, are studying what foods have a positive (and negative) impact on brain health as we age.

Diets associated with brain health incorporate certain foods such as:

• Whole grains
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Fish
• Nuts

The brain benefits greatly from the increased blood circulation caused and sustained by regular physical activity. Discuss exercise plans with your healthcare provider to tailor an appropriate exercise program to your specific needs.

For people living with Alzheimer’s, suggested exercises can include:

• Walks with a companion
• Aerobic exercise classes at a senior center or local swimming pool
• Light gardening

For everyone else, get outside and moving! Find the exercises that you like best and stick to them.