You may have heard the myth that we only use 10 percent of our brain. In reality, we use all of it. All day long \u2014 and even while we sleep \u2014 the brain is active, regulating bodily functions, storing memories and shaping how we experience the world.<\/p>\n
Because this complex organ makes us who we are, supporting brain health is an important part of aging well.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a common misconception that we can\u2019t do anything to prevent decline in brain functioning as we age,\u201d says Howard Lloyd, PsyD, a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist<\/a> at MultiCare Neuroscience Institute<\/a>. \u201cThe truth is our habits and lifestyle choices have a big impact on brain health.\u201d<\/p>\n Here are practical tips to help support your brain health and keep your mind sharp.<\/p>\n Exercise doesn\u2019t only keep your heart<\/strong> healthy \u2014 it keeps your brain<\/strong> healthy, too. Regular physical activity helps the heart circulate blood more efficiently, ensuring the brain has the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly. Exercise also:<\/p>\n \u201cStudies show that exercising improves cognitive functioning, even for people who already have dementia, and reduces cognitive decline associated with aging<\/a>,\u201d Lloyd says. \u201cIf you\u2019re going to pick one thing to do to support your brain health, it should be regular exercise \u2014 and it\u2019s never too late to start.\u201d<\/p>\n Any type of movement \u2014 from walking to playing a recreational sport \u2014 can benefit your brain. Get tips for exercising at home<\/a> or building a routine that works for you<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our brains love novelty. That\u2019s why you feel that spark of joy when you master a new skill or solve a challenging problem. Neuroplasticity is what makes these achievements possible. This refers to the brain\u2019s ability to restructure itself and form new connections between brain cells (neurons) so you can adapt and learn.<\/p>\n Regularly engaging in activities that strengthen neuroplasticity, or stimulate the brain, can decrease the risk of dementia<\/a> and support brain health as you age. Examples include:<\/p>\n \u201cThe key is that the activity is new,\u201d Lloyd says. \u201cIf you\u2019ve been solving crossword puzzles all your life, then take up a different hobby to grow those neural connections.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to choose an activity you enjoy \u2014 you\u2019re more likely to stick with it long term and reap the brain health benefits.<\/p>\n While there is no one \u201csuperfood\u201d guaranteed to ward off cognitive decline, our eating habits play an important role in brain health.<\/p>\n Two eating plans shown to provide cognitive benefits include the Mediterranean diet<\/a> and the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet<\/a>. Both heart-healthy eating plans emphasize plant-based foods and healthy fats.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t necessarily have to strictly adhere to these diets to get the benefits,\u201d Lloyd says. \u201cBut I do encourage people to draw from them when deciding what to eat, because what\u2019s good for the heart is good for the brain.\u201d<\/p>\n Humans are social creatures \u2014 our brains are designed (or wired) to connect with others from the moment we\u2019re born. Meaningful social interaction boosts mood, lowers risk for depression and anxiety, and may help protect against cognitive decline<\/a>.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need a large social circle to see benefits. Spending time one-on-one with a friend or participating in a community activity can be just as helpful.<\/p>\n \u201cTry blending social interaction with exercise by taking a YMCA class or meeting up with someone for a walk,\u201d Lloyd says. \u201cYou get the benefit of both in one activity \u2014 and you\u2019re more likely to maintain your exercise routine.\u201d<\/p>\n How much rest you get \u2014 and the quality of that rest \u2014 can have a big impact on your brain health.<\/p>\n Not getting enough sleep in midlife is a risk factor for dementia. One study found that adults in their 50s and 60s who slept six hours or less a night were 30 percent more likely to be later diagnosed with dementia<\/a> than those who slept for at least seven hours.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s this myth that you don\u2019t need as much sleep as you get older,\u201d Lloyd says. \u201cBut adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night to support their brain health and their overall health.\u201d<\/p>\n To improve the quality and quantity of your rest, practice these habits:<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s this myth that you don\u2019t need as much sleep as you get older. But adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night to support their brain health and their overall health.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Your brain plays a central role in how your body functions, but it doesn\u2019t operate in isolation. Chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can affect brain health over time.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen conditions like high blood pressure aren\u2019t well managed, they can increase the risk for stroke or other brain-related disorders,\u201d Lloyd says.<\/p>\n Research shows that people between 40 to 64 with high blood pressure are at greater risk for both cognitive decline and dementia<\/a>.<\/p>\n Following these practices can help you stay on top of chronic conditions and support your overall health:<\/p>\n Occasional forgetfulness is part of life, even when you take steps to keep your brain healthy. But when changes in memory, thinking or ability to manage everyday tasks are persistent, it\u2019s time to talk with your doctor or other health care provider. They can perform a brief cognitive screening to determine what\u2019s going on and refer you to a neurologist if needed.<\/p>\n Consider talking to your provider if you or your loved ones notice that you\u2019re frequently:<\/p>\n You may have heard the myth that we only use 10 percent of our brain. In reality, we use all of it. All day long \u2014 and even while we sleep \u2014 the brain is active, regulating bodily functions, storing memories and shaping how we experience the world. Because this complex organ makes us who […]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":367,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[127,107],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-healthy-living","category-stroke-neuro"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTip 1: Move your body<\/h2>\n
\n
Tip 2: Exercise your mind<\/h2>\n
\n
Tip 3: Eat a nutritious diet<\/h2>\n
\n
Tip 4: Cultivate community<\/h2>\n
Tip 5: Prioritize sleep<\/h2>\n
\n
Tip 6: Manage chronic conditions<\/h2>\n
\n
Tip 7: Speak up about cognitive concerns<\/h2>\n
\n