Seven Ways to Care for Your Brain
Brain Awareness Week 2023
Brain Awareness Week, a global campaign designed to advance enthusiasm and support for brain science, has been celebrated for nearly 30 years. The annual celebration is hosted by the Dana Foundation and is observed March 13 – 19, 2023.
Caring for your brain can prevent cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Celebrate Brain Awareness Week by learning strategies to keep your brain healthy.
Here are seven healthy habits to promote healthy mental aging and prevent the progression of cognitive decline:
Exercise: physical activity, especially cardiovascular exercise, has demonstrated a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Develop a love for learning: Education is linked to brain health. Taking courses such as language or music classes can help promote healthy brain aging.
Cardio health = cognitive health: Heart conditions like high blood pressure are associated with poorer cognitive health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for heart health will also positively impact brain health.
Protect your brain: It’s always important to prevent brain injuries so preventing falls and wearing helmets and seatbelts will help maintain a healthy brain.
Eat a healthy diet: Certain diets can help support healthy mental aging. Doctors often recommend Mediterranean diets made up of plenty of fruits and vegetables to support a healthy diet.
Get the proper amount of sleep: There is a correlation between lack of sleep and issues with memory and thinking, making quality sleep an important component of healthy cognition.
Socialize: Belonging to a community and participating in social activities are often found to support brain health. Exciting group activities can help establish a sense of community and promote better brain health.
Read more about AD here and contact SYNAPS Dx for more information on testing for AD. Get involved with celebrating Brain Awareness Week by learning more from the Dana Foundation here.
* The DISCERN™ test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by NeuroDiagnostics Inc, dba Synaps Dx. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. NeuroDiagnostics, Inc. is regulated under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) as an accredited laboratory to perform high complexity clinical testing. The test is intended for patients with dementia. Test results should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical data available to the clinician. All rights reserved.