But there’s more to your brain health than whether you take fish oil capsules or complete puzzles. Here, we’ll take an in-depth look at brain health, including signs of cognitive impairment, nutrition’s role in brain health, surprising things that affect brain health and much more.
Previously, scientists thought you reached your mental peak in your 20s, in middle age your cognitive abilities plateaued and then as you age, your cognitive abilities gradually declined.
Thanks to research, we know that’s not true. Your brain is constantly changing throughout your life, and as you age, some abilities decline while others improve.
Mild cognitive impairment is a slight but noticeable decline in memory and thinking skills and other areas of cognitive function. It’s important to note that while these changes are noticeable, they’re not significant enough to impact daily function or independence.
While there is a genetic component to Alzheimer’s, there is no proof the disease skips a generation.
Doctors at Harvard Health say there’s little if any evidence to support claims that vitamins and supplements do anything to protect or improve brain health.
Your cognitive health encompasses a variety of functions like decision-making, attention and problem-solving abilities. It also includes how well you can make and control movements, how you interpret and respond to emotions and how you feel and respond to sensations like touch or pressure.
Doing a repetitive task like a puzzle or game doesn’t boost your brain health, but learning something new like a language or skill does. And those brain-training games that tout the ability to improve your cognitive ability? For the most part, playing those games can make you better at the game itself, but they have not shown any benefit to improved brain health, according to The New York Times.
Research has uncovered a link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can damage the brain. Diabetes causes increased levels of insulin in the brain, and just like the body of someone with diabetes, the brain can have trouble processing the excess insulin, leading to cognitive decline.
While there’s no cure for dementia, there are things you can do to protect your brain health like:
When it comes to your brain health, you should be aware of the signs of abnormal cognitive impairment. If you or someone you love start experiencing these symptoms, or if you have questions, talk to a doctor.
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with dementia, you can still live a very full life. Dementia Friends is a global movement aimed at reducing the stigma associated with dementia. It educates people about dementia and how they can enrich the lives of those with the disease. Find out more about how you can become a Dementia Friend in just an hour by visiting the website.