Brain Health is Everybody’s Business

We all know somebody who struggles with their memory. They may or may not have an official diagnosis of some kind. Perhaps you are wondering about your own brain health. There are hundreds of conditions known as “neurodegenerative diseases.” While some come down to genetics, or luck, there are steps that we can take to improve our brain health and lower the likelihood of developing disease.

Healthy Diet

A general rule of thumb is that “what is good for the heart is good for the brain.” Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle are important factors for cardiovascular health which, in turn, benefits the brain. There has been a lot of attention in recent media about specific diets or supplements that claim to prevent or reverse memory loss. Proceed with caution. For most people, keeping a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and lean proteins is sufficient for maintaining overall health. Talk to your health care provider before changing your diet or starting a new exercise program.

Maintain Fitness and Balance

Exercise should be something you can enjoy on a regular basis. Incorporating more movement into your day can help reduce the risk of falling. Falling puts us at a higher risk of brain injury, which can contribute to likelihood of developing long-term thinking or behavior problems. Simple modifications to home environments, such as installing grab bars in the shower, will prevent the risk of falls. Check with your local community center to see if there is a group fitness class that you may be able to participate in, such as Tai-Chi, that can keep you moving and improve overall balance.

Regular check-ups

Other factors that improve brain function include things like staying up to date with regular preventative health care visits, vision and hearing screenings, and making sure you are getting enough sleep.