Five proactive habits for sustaining cognitive function throughout life
1. Engage in new and challenging cognitive activities
One of the most effective ways to preserve cognitive health is by keeping your brain active with new and stimulating activities. According to Suhr, “Engaging in cognitively stimulating hobbies and activities lowers the risk for dementia.” This doesn’t just mean doing the daily crossword puzzle. “To stimulate your brain, it’s important to engage in new and novel things,” she says. Learning a new language, picking up a new hobby, or even taking a class can help keep your mind sharp and build cognitive reserve.
2. Stay physically active
Physical health is directly connected to brain health. “Your brain takes a disproportionate amount of the oxygenated blood from every heartbeat to maintain good functioning.” Suhr points out. “So keeping that heart healthy by lowering risk for or effective treatment for things like high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc., is extremely important.”
3. Prioritize social engagement
Maintaining a strong social network is another essential factor in cognitive health. Engaging with others can help stimulate the mind and prevent cognitive decline. “There’s nothing more cognitively stimulating than having to engage with other people,” says Suhr. Whether it’s joining clubs, volunteering, or keeping up with friends and family, social interaction can help keep your mind active and connected to the world around you.
4. Take care of your mental health
Stress, anxiety, and depression can take a toll on cognitive health over time. Maintaining emotional balance is critical to preserving mental sharpness as we age. “Taking care of your mental health is important,” Suhr advises. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or therapy can help manage stress and promote long-term cognitive well-being.
5. Protect your brain from injury
Another crucial way to safeguard cognitive health is by preventing brain injuries. “Protect yourself from traumatic brain injury by wearing helmets and preventing falls,” Suhr suggests. Avoiding accidents that could lead to head injuries—such as by using safety equipment and removing tripping hazards in your home—can help prevent cognitive decline in the long run.
When to consider neurocognitive screening
If you find yourself struggling with memory or thinking skills that seem unusual or more pronounced than what you’ve experienced in the past, it might be time to consider neurocognitive screening.
“Having neurocognitive screening can establish a baseline, where your scores are compared to individuals most like you in age, education, and sometimes gender,” says Suhr.
Regular follow-up screenings can help identify changes early, providing insight into whether your cognitive abilities are shifting more rapidly than expected. While this isn’t an everyday habit, it’s a smart way to stay informed about your cognitive health over time.
Understanding neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease, involve the progressive degeneration of the nervous system, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and difficulties with movement. This deterioration can hinder daily activities and affect independence.
Maintaining cognitive health is crucial for reducing the risk of these diseases. It not only keeps your brain functioning well but also enhances cognitive reserve—the ability to cope with brain changes while maintaining daily functioning.
“Cognitive reserve helps explain why some individuals may show brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease yet continue to function well in their daily lives,” says Suhr. “It’s like they have a reserve that allows them to keep functioning cognitively, even when their brains exhibit signs of decline.”
The bottom line on brain health
At the end of the day, taking care of your brain doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simple, everyday choices can make a big difference over time. So whether you’re picking up a new hobby, getting some exercise, or catching up with friends, remember that every little bit counts. Your mind deserves that attention, and the more you invest in it now, the better it will serve you in the years to come. Just be mindful—if something feels off or you notice significant changes, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Your cognitive health is worth it.
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