Monitoring Our Brain Health
To monitor brain health, it is important to know which changes are normal as we age, and which are not. A healthy brain is one that has healthy cognitive function. Cognitive function is the ability to think, learn, and remember things clearly. It also includes intuition, judgment, and language. As we age, it is normal to experience a mild decline in some of these abilities. Data show that many of our thinking abilities peak at age 30 and on average, begin to slowly decline afterwards. Common changes can include being slower to remember words or names and having trouble paying attention or multitasking. The symptoms are usually subtle and don’t disrupt everyday life. Memory and focus problems beyond expected changes may be signs of more serious cognitive impairment. These signs include trouble completing tasks, understanding, remembering, following instructions, and solving problems. The symptoms are usually more noticeable and can have a greater impact on daily activities. For example, you may miss appointments or get lost in familiar places. Other signs include having trouble following conversations or a set of instructions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to talk to your doctor.Prioritizing Brain Health
While getting older can seem scary, there are many things we can do to help keep our brains healthy as we age. Healthy aging starts with prevention, and research shows that healthy habits can go a long way. Healthy habits can help prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease and may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline. A few simple ways we can help keep our brains happy and healthy are:- Regular physical activity: Consistent exercise helps facilitate oxygen and growth factors in the brain. Walking, cycling, or swimming are all low-impact ways to keep your body moving while having fun.
- A healthy diet: Fruits, veggies, lean proteins and whole grains can help reduce the risk of heart disease and keep your mind sharp.
- A proper sleep schedule: Getting a recommended 7-9 hours of sleep for adults aged 18-65 and 7-8 hours for those aged 65 and older can help support clear thinking and sustained attention.
- Social engagement: Attending a social event or regularly engaging with friends can help reduce feelings of isolation and stress common among older adults.