3 Ways to Improve Brain Health

If you suspect your loved one may have a decline in brain health, look for these signs.

What is Brain Health?

There are several aspects of brain health, including cognitive health, motor function, emotional function, and tactile function. Brain health can be affected by many things, including birth defects, injuries, mood disorders, addictions, and brain diseases like dementia.

What is Dementia?

As of 2020, over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia. Dementia is a group of symptoms that affects cognitive abilities such as memory and decision-making. Dementia is most common in older adults but can happen at any age. It can cause Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia with Lewy bodies, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Early-Onset Dementia. Dementia symptoms include memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, and changes in mood and personality.

How do you know if your loved one’s brain health is deteriorating?

If you suspect your loved one may be experiencing a decline in brain health, look for these signs.

Changes in mood or behavior

Sometimes people with cognitive decline get confused about time—forgetting what day it is or what season it is. They may also get lost on their way home from a familiar place or forget where they parked their car in a crowded lot. Commonly reported mood changes include depression, anxiety, and irritability. Behavioral changes can manifest as changes in eating or sleeping habits, apathy, or acting out of character.

Problems with memory or thinking

One early sign of cognitive decline is trouble remembering recent events or recalling the names of new people they met. It may indicate an underlying health issue, such as dementia.

A decline in physical abilities

If your loved one has difficulty completing tasks they’ve done many times before — such as balancing their checkbook or cooking a favorite recipe — it may be time to talk to their doctor about getting an evaluation.

What can you do to improve brain health? 

Get regular exercise.

Exercise has been shown to improve brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain and improving cognitive function. Exercise also helps reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. If your loved one cannot get regular exercise due to physical limitations, there are still options — try simple chair exercises. Anything that gets the heart rate up may help!

Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet is important for overall health, but did you know it can also help improve brain health? A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function. Try adding leafy greens and berries into your daily diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to help improve memory and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseed oil. Help your loved one make healthy food choices by preparing meals together or taking them grocery shopping. If cooking meals from scratch is not an option, plenty of healthy frozen meals are available at the grocery store.

Stay mentally active

Mental stimulation has been shown to help improve memory and cognitive function. Activities requiring mental efforts, such as puzzles, crosswords, and Sudoku, can help keep the mind sharp. Reading, learning a new language, or taking up a new hobby are also great ways to stay mentally active. Encourage your loved one to find an activity that they enjoy and participate in it with them! It will give you quality time together, and both reap the benefits of staying mentally active. Fostering a love for learning can be rewarding at any age.

If you live in the Washington, DC, area, we are here to help. If your loved one is exhibiting any of the above signs, don’t hesitate to contact our office to make an appointment. Early diagnosis and intervention are vital for maintaining optimal brain health. Even when cognitive decline has begun, many things can be done to improve brain health. Together we can develop a plan to help improve brain health and maintain optimal cognitive function for years to come.

Why Consider Bluerock Care for your HealthCare needs

Looking for comprehensive, high-quality primary care? Look no further than Bluerock Care. Our team of doctors and professionals are available 24/7 to meet your needs, whether that’s in our center, your home, or via phone or video visits. We offer same or next-day appointments (for existing patients) with no waiting lists or long wait times, and we can even help eligible patients with transportation. So if you’re looking for a primary care provider that’s convenient, accessible, and always available to you, look no further than Bluerock Care! 

Call us: 202-796-9775

Email us: info@bluerock.care

Up Next: What Do You Need to Consider Before Choosing a Doctor?

References

Alzheimer's Disease International. (n.d.). About Alzheimer's & Dementia. Alzheimer's Disease International. Retrieved November 23, 2022, from https://www.alzint.org/about/

National Institute of Health. (n.d.). Cognitive Health and Older Adults | National Institute on Aging. National Institute on Aging. Retrieved November 23, 2022, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

National Institute of Health. (n.d.). MIND Diet Intervention and Cognitive Decline - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov. Clinical Trials. Retrieved November 23, 2022, from https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02817074