It is Brain Awareness Week, a global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. There are several ways to maintain brain health including exercise, sleep and social interaction. We have rounded-up the latest research in each area to help you stay informed.
Exercise and the brain
A key part of healthy aging is keeping your brain healthy. Your lifestyle can influence the cognitive changes that come with age – giving you the power to keep your mind sharp. Exercise is a great way to keep the body fit and healthy. If that isn’t enough motivation to get you moving, the possible added benefit to your cognitive function just might!
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Blog Post: Get up, get moving, and exercise your way to a healthier mind
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Blog Post: Not as sharp as you used to be? Exercises for your brain might help keep it fit
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Blog Post: Move it (slowly) or lose it: Tai Chi improves the mind as well as the body
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Web Resource Rating: Keeping your memory in shape
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Web Resource Rating: Mind-body exercise: Tai chi and yoga
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Web Resource Rating: The dancing brain (Your brain on exercise)
How sleep affects the brain
Sleep is important to achieving optimal health. While it’s important to note that sleeping patterns are unique to each individual, they can also be a symptom of health problems, including neurodegenerative diseases, unhealthy weight and associated sleep apnea, and side effects from medication.
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Blog Post: When "good nights" are rare: Do sleeping pills help people with dementia?
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Blog Post: Sleep and aging: How many zzz's are optimal to stay healthy?
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Evidence Summary: Pharmacotherapies for sleep disturbances in dementia.
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Web Resource Rating: The insomnia guide
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Patient Decision Aid: Insomnia: Should I take sleeping pills?
Benefits of social interaction
Social activities such as volunteering promote a sense of accomplishment, help to break isolation, improve physical and psychological health, and reduce some of the negative stereotypes associated with aging. By doing things like volunteering, you can stay socially connected and help maintain your cognitive health.
