Experts at Harvard Medical School have identified six simple lifestyle changes that can help boost brain health and reduce the risk of dementia and other degenerative illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease. These changes work together to build “cognitive reserve,” which allows the brain to adapt and function better in the face of stress, injury, or disease.
According to the researchers, cognitive reserve is built through a lifetime of education, curiosity, and mental stimulation. It was first discovered in individuals with no apparent symptoms of dementia who had underlying brain changes consistent with Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, research has shown that people with greater cognitive reserve are better able to cope with degenerative brain changes.
The six cornerstones of effective brain health and cognitive fitness are:
1. Eating a plant-based diet
2. Exercising regularly
3. Getting enough sleep
4. Managing stress
5. Nurturing social contacts
6. Continuing to challenge the brain
These factors work together, not in isolation, to yield results. For example, simply exercising or eating more fibre is not enough; a combination of diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, social interaction, and mental stimulation is needed.
By incorporating these six simple lifestyle changes into your daily routine, you can boost your brain health and reduce the risk of dementia and other degenerative illnesses.
Source: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/health/diet-change-boosts-cognitive-reserve-31332662