Breaking Down Brain Health: Separating Fact from Fiction
Today, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s — which is just one form of dementia or memory loss. So it’s not surprising that brain health has become a popularized health topic. As part of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, we’re taking a look at some of the most common notions about brain health and determining whether they’re rooted in fact or fiction.
1. Special “brain games” can improve cognitive function and prevent memory loss.
Fiction. There is very little scientific evidence that brain-training games actually lead to improved mental functions. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other activities that have been shown to be good for the brain. Experts agree that learning new skills, being socially engaged, and trying challenging activities can help protect your brain as it ages.
2. Diet and exercise are factors that determine how your brain ages.
Fact. Managing blood pressure, eating a healthy Mediterranean-based diet, and being physically active all help delay cognitive decline, for those at risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia and for those who have already developed it. One reason for this protective feature is that a good diet and exercise promote healthy blood vessels and strong blood flow to the brain.
3. Brain health is unrelated to mental health and mood disorders.
Fiction. Greater mental wellbeing is associated with a lower risk of dementia and a better ability to concentrate, reason, interact with others, and regulate emotions. Research has also found a link between symptoms of depression and a greater risk for Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline in older adults.
Despite a few myths that exist about brain health, it is encouraging to see that there are some evidence-based things we can do to take control of our risk for Alzheimer’s. The disease is by no means inevitable — by taking the right steps and paying just as much attention to your brain as your other major organs, you can maintain a healthy brain for longer.
