Summary

The article outlines five key activities to maintain brain sharpness and prevent cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of social interaction, mental stimulation, physical exercise, and proper nutrition.

Abstract

The article "Try These 5 Simple and Energizing Ways to Help Keep Your Brain Sharp and Alert" discusses the significance of proactive brain health management, regardless of age. It underscores that our actions can influence brain aging more than previously understood. The author, motivated by personal encounters with Alzheimer's, explores expert recommendations such as engaging in social activities, playing sports and board games, consuming nutritious foods, stimulating the mind, and exercising regularly. These activities are said to promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and form new connections, which is crucial for maintaining cognitive function. The article also touches on the role of environment over genetics in brain health and suggests that even mild cognitive impairment can be a precursor to more severe conditions like Alzheimer's, although not everyone with MCI will develop it.

Opinions

The author believes that we have more control over our brain health than previously thought, thanks to the brain's neuroplasticity.
Regular physical activity, particularly exercises that involve hand-eye coordination, is seen as a critical factor in stimulating neuroplasticity and keeping the brain young.
The article suggests that our environment may have a more significant impact on brain health than genetics.
Social interactions, including spending time with friends and family, are considered vital for mental well-being and creating new neural pathways.
Mental stimulation through activities like visiting museums, reading, writing, and playing brain games is recommended to build and maintain brain function.
A diet rich in green leafy vegetables, colorful fruits, and limited meat consumption is advised for optimal brain health.
The author challenges the previous belief that a glass of wine is beneficial for heart health, aligning with recent research that indicates no safe level of alcohol consumption for brain health.
The overarching opinion is that by engaging in these suggested activities, one can not only prolong life but also enhance its quality, enjoying later years with vitality and mental clarity.

Try These 5 Simple and Energizing Ways to Help Keep Your Brain Sharp and Alert

We have more say about how our brains age than previously thought.

No matter your age — your brain needs your help to keep it working seamlessly.

Do you take your brain for granted, assuming it’ll always serve you?

How often do you even think about your brain? Do you appreciate all the amazing thoughts, solutions, and creative ideas it delivers?

My brain has served me well for many years.

My curiosity turned to intrigue

Recently, my curiosity about brain health has increased tenfold. I am intrigued, partly because two people in my life have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Both of them are my age.

Cindy was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s approximately four years ago, shocking friends and family. Her decline is rapid and evident, causing her to withdraw.

A case of early-onset Alzheimer’s is the other friend’s diagnosis. A family member must always be with her to keep her safe.

Here are the top 5 general suggestions followed by what the experts recommend to help keep our brains sharp no matter our age:

What to do

Socialize with friends and family.
Engage in sports and play board games.
Eat yummy, nourishing food.
Mental stimulation.
Exercise.

All of these activities help keep our brains young and engaged. I’m sure you have favorite pursuits to stimulate your brain.

My Research

A plethora of information on brain health is widely available to the layperson. My interest has led me to do a bit of investigation.

My previous understanding was that cognitive impairments happen to the elderly. By reading the research by Dr. Michael Merzenich, professor emeritus neuroscientist at UCSF, I have learned that Mild Cognitive Impairment can afflict younger people.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) may be a precursor to Alzheimer’s and dementia. MCI is when cognition is no longer average relative to age expectations. However, not everyone with MCI develops Alzheimer’s. About eight of every ten will.

The good news is we have way more control over our brain health than previously thought by scientists and researchers.

It’s not only MCI that we should worry about. Ordinary forgetfulness is annoying, and some activities will help keep our brains sharp.

Our environment may play a more significant role in our brain health than genetics. Our brains are plastic and changeable, not static and fixed.

Scientists have repeatedly documented the remarkable capacity of the human brain of all ages to change. This ability is known as neuroplasticity.

Let’s get physical

Physical activity is a significant factor in stimulating neuroplasticity. Exercising five to six days a week is optimal.

Exercise also promotes brain plasticity by stimulating new connections between cells in many important cortical areas of the brain.

Exercise increases heart rate, which pumps more oxygen to the brain.

It also makes it easier for the brain to grow more neuronal connections when we move our bodies.

Meet a friend for a walk, hike, or a game of tennis or pickleball. These sports are excellent for the brain.

Exercise involving hand-eye coordination is a proven method of keeping our brains young.

Exercise is critical in promoting circulation. Using your muscles also helps your mind. My goal is always six days, leaving one day of complete rest.

As Dr. Daniel Amen, a brain disorder specialist, reports:

Circulation is essential to life. It is the conduit for transporting nutrients to and toxins away from the cells. Low blood flow shrinks the brain and kills the cells.

Diversifying our activities also helps create new neural pathways that help keep the brain functioning optimally.

Ongoing contact with our loved ones to share our joys and concerns or see their smiling faces is crucial.

In addition to exercising and socializing with friends, having a community other than family is essential to feel heard and understood.

We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing. — George Bernard Shaw.

Mental nourishment

What activities are experts recommending?

Visiting museums, art galleries, and botanical gardens is invaluable in keeping the mind sharp and involved—immerse in these activities with a loved one for a double dose of goodness.

Reading and writing, taking courses, attending lectures, drawing, and painting help build the brain.

The brain games we’re familiar with, such as Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit, are helpful, and online, such as Luminosity and Brain HQ. I also enjoy crossword puzzles.

As soon as you feel too old to do a thing, do it. — Margaret Deland, American novelist and poet.

Feed your body

Eating meals rich in green leafy veggies and colorful fruits, especially berries, is paramount.

I know everyone knows this, but do we eat these daily?

Also, keeping meat to a minimum is advised, four ounces or less a day. Easy for me, but not so much for hubby. He loves his beef!

There was a time when a glass of wine was recommended, primarily for heart health.

The latest research shows no safe alcohol consumption level for those who enjoy a drink or two.

Don’t forget your water. Brains get thirsty, too. Some experts advise an ounce of water per pound of body weight, while others suggest half that amount. Do what you can and what feels right, or check with your doctor.

It is encouraging to know that we have a lot of control over how and when our brains age.

It is also exhilarating that it is never too late to create new neural pathways that help keep us young physically and mentally.

The point in incorporating these suggestions is not to live to a ripe old age but to enjoy our later years with vigor, health, productivity, and joy!