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Written by Srivalli Adarapu | Art by Lily Ozaeta  

Aging brings along many health complications, some potentially life-threatening, such as brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, by adopting healthy habits and preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of cognitive impairments in the future. Here are five ways you can maintain a healthy brain!  

1. Challenging and engaging your mind  

Engaging in activities that require mental work, such as learning, reading, and solving puzzles, significantly benefits brain health. Such activities build connections between nerves and potentially generate new brain cells. By regularly challenging your mind, your brain will be well equipped at an old age. 

2. Regular exercise

Physical exercise is known to improve one’s sleep, mood, and anxiety, and reduce the risk of acquiring certain health conditions. Exercise also boosts the brain’s health by increasing the blood flow entering the brain, enhancing neuron production, and building neural connections. Besides stimulating brain activity, exercise can lower blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels, which are additional factors that could contribute to cognitive decline. 

3. Maintain a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol level

High blood pressure and cholesterol levels increase one’s susceptibility to cognitive complications. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 American adults are at risk of high cholesterol levels. Make sure to modify your diet to limit the consumption of trans fats, saturated fats, and alcohol to reduce cholesterol intake. You can maintain a healthy blood pressure level by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and exercising.. 

4. Eating healthy

Maintaining a healthy diet will benefit your brain and the rest of your body. Foods such as vegetables, fruits, and nuts supply the brain with antioxidants and vitamins to build a healthy brain. On the other hand, high levels of processed sugars can impair the brain. 

5. Sleeping Well  

Sleep is crucial for our bodies as it solidifies memories, reorganizes neurons, builds nerve connections, and removes waste products and toxins from the brain. Research has also demonstrated that proper sleep reduces the risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

Works Cited: 

“10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain.” Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, 2024, http://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10-healthy-habits-for-your-brain. 

“12 ways to keep your brain young.” Harvard Health, 13 May 2022, www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young.

Healthy Body, Healthier Brain. http://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/healthy-body-brain.html.