The phrase “use it or lose it” is often thrown around when talking about keeping your brain in tip-top shape. Rumor has it that games like sudoku, word searches, and chess can help ward off dementia, a condition that progressively limits cognitive function and affects about 47 million people worldwide. But dementia and even mild cognitive decline involves so much more than which mental exercises (if any) you use to pass the time.
Nurturing your overall health may be the best way to protect your brain. Here are the tips experts actually recommend to keep the mind sharp as you age.
References
Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Causes and risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Healthy brain initiative.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2016). Sugar and the brain.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Memory: 5 ways to protect your brain health.
MedlinePlus. (2020). Healthy aging.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019). Health tips for older adults.
Pillai, J.A., et al. (2009). Social networks and their role in preventing dementia. Indian Journal of Psychiatry.
World Health Organization. (2023). Dementia.
Zhou, Z., et al. (2018). Social engagement and its change are associated with dementia risk among Chinese older adults: a longitudinal study. Scientific Reports.
Why trust our experts?
