A Healthy Brain
Lifestyle choices can protect memory, communication and learning abilities.
Written by Melissa Bean Sterzick
As people get older, changes occur in all parts of the body including the brain. Certain parts of the brain shrink, and communication between nerve cells may not be as effective. That might sound alarming, but healthy choices and simple activities can protect the brain. Declining mental function is not an inevitable part of aging.
Ben Tseng, MD, a board-certified neurologist with Torrance Memorial’s Lundquist Neurosciences Institute, shares important information about maintaining brain health.
What are some simple ways to keep your brain healthy?
Dr. Tseng: A cardiovascular-healthy diet and exercise are very clearly beneficial for brain health and cognitive performance. It’s important to get enough sleep and limit stress. Manage your blood pressure and blood sugar. Keep an active lifestyle, which can range from physical to social activities. Solitary activities such as reading, playing instruments, learning new things and hobbies are very beneficial. Find things you like to do that also engage the brain. Yoga classes, walking, games and music are just a few ideas, but there are many options. Volunteer work can fill several needs at once—providing social interaction and supporting mental health.
How does age affect brain health?
Common symptoms of normal aging include difficulties in the following three domains: memory retrieval, multitasking skills and the general processing speed of the brain. People notice these difficulties and can lose confidence or motivation to improve, but the brain needs exercise to stay healthy—just like any other muscle.
How can seniors regain mental function if it has diminished?
It’s easy to think a loss of ability or change in performance is permanent, but it isn’t. Seniors may need extra time to complete mental tasks or learn new things, but they do not necessarily lose those abilities. The same activities supporting brain health also help people regain function if it has declined. Regular physical activity, social connection, and doing things requiring concentration as well as memory stimulation and learning will protect and improve brain health. Forming new habits and making changes for your health take effort. Set an easy goal and enlist the help of friends or family members to encourage or participate in reaching it.
How does overall health affect brain health?
Cardiovascular diseases are directly related to strokes, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, smoking and a family history of vascular disease. Other risk factors that apply to general health also have detrimental impacts on the brain, such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary choices and any deficiency in caregiving or the support system at home.
Also, mental health should not be overlooked—depression, anxiety, insomnia and other untreated psychological conditions are directly related to impaired focus, executive functions and general problem-solving abilities. Limit social media, the amount of news you read/watch and exposure to unnecessary stressors. Most importantly, ask for help before things become too overwhelming.
What cognitive symptoms indicate the need for a doctor’s attention?
Symptoms requiring a doctor’s attention can be acute or slowly progressive. Any acute or sudden change in mental status or neurologic functions should be evaluated right away. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a stroke—sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, confusion or trouble speaking or understanding, vision problems or difficulty with balance or walking—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
For slow progressive symptoms, in the case of dementia, family members often report cognitive decline directly impacting a patient’s ability to function, including driving, keeping up with daily routines and appointments, adhering to medication regimens, etc. In terms of memory, family members should be concerned if they notice an increase in repetitive questions or an inability to retrieve information, despite multiple reminders.
