Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of brain health, the impact of neurological disease and the ongoing research for treatment and cures.
Prioritizing brain health
While there are currently no known cures for Alzheimer’s, there are ways to improve and manage your brain function and health.
Regular exercise. Physical activity has been shown to help improve brain health and cognitive function. In brain studies, they found that people who get the recommended amount of exercise see improvements in their hippocampus, an are of the brain which helps with memory and learning (1).
Mental stimulation. Scientists have found that engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and reading helps develop neuroplasticity. This stimulation helps the brain absorb information and manage new challenges (2).
Head protection. A brain injury can have significant impact on your brain health and life. Its’ important to wear a helmet when doing any activities such as biking, skiing, using a motorcycle, riding a horse or driving a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle (3).
Healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, lean protein and healthy fats can help overall brain health. A nutrient-rich diet has been linked to improving cognitive abilities (4).
Quality sleep. Sleep is essential to allow your body to recharge and stay healthy. During sleep, the brain organizes and processes information. REM sleep has been shown to enhance learning, memory and emotional wellbeing (5).
Stress management. Chronic stress can negatively impact brain health. Studies show that stress can affect how the brain functions, while negatively interfering with cognition, attention and memory (6).
Sources:
“How Exercise Protects Your Brain’s Health”, Cleveland Clinic, 26 Sep. 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/exercise-and-brain-health
“12 ways to keep your brain young”, Harvard Health, 13 May 2022, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young
“8 brain health tips for a healthier you”, Mayo Clinic, 21 Dec. 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/brain-health-tips/art-20555198
“Nutrition and the Brain – Exploring Pathways for Optimal Brain Health Through Nutrition: A Call for Papers”, The Journal of Nutrition, 2 Nov. 2023, https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(23)72686-2/fulltext
“Sleep Your Way to a Smarter Brain”, American Heart Association, 25 Jan. 2024, https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/sleep/sleep-your-way-to-a-smarter-brain
“Protect your brain from stress”, Harvard Health, 15 Feb. 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protect-your-brain-from-stress