12 Habits That Take Care Of The Brain And Reduce The Risk Of Dementia

Plasticity is one of the most striking characteristics of the brain. We are all in time to establish changes to promote their well-being and thus reduce the possible risk of cognitive decline and the appearance of dementias.

There are a number of habits that take care of the brain. They do it regardless of how old you are or the lifestyle you have led so far. There are necessary changes that act as true revolutions for our well-being and, above all, for brain health that we so often neglect almost without knowing it.

Neuroscientist David Eagleman points out in The Secret Life of the Brain that we spend our lives worried, anxious and bored, not understanding that we are one of the luckiest creatures in this world. We do not always appreciate the sophistication that is contained in our neurological universe, how extraordinary people are in having one of the most exceptional organs in nature.

The brain contains not only what we are, but also what we can become. One of its fundamental characteristics is plasticity. It is that process by which we can modify predetermined habits or knowledge by learning new things, and then enhance happiness and prevent even more than one disease.

We analyze it.

Woman thinking about the habits that will take care of your brain

12 habits that take care of the brain

Many of us associate dementias such as Alzheimer’s with an elderly population group. It is that sad disease that our grandparents or parents suffer when they reach 70 or 80 years. Now, we ignore that this type of neurodegenerative diseases germinate in youth and at earlier ages than we think.

Experts on the subject, such as Dr. Lisa Mosconi, associate director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Cornell University, tells us that we can and should all be proactive in curbing the onset of cognitive decline. Furthermore, studies, such as the one published by The Lancet magazine in 2020, emphasize an important idea.

A group of 28 experts carried out an exhaustive research analysis to conclude that there are a series of lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40%. Thus, since we all long to enjoy a life cycle free from the ravages of cognitive decline, it never hurts to apply those habits that take care of the brain according to science.

1. Control blood pressure to live better

Hypertension is a silent and deadly enemy. Not only does it put cardiovascular health at risk, but it also alters blood flow and nutrition reaching the brain. For this, it is convenient that we take into account the following:

Let’s reduce the consumption of salt.
Let’s go to the doctor for regular checkups and if necessary, take drugs to regulate blood pressure.

Let’s keep an active life doing sports on a regular basis.
Let’s control the sources of anxiety and daily stress.

2. Once again… no smoking (and beware of second hand smoke)

We all know very well the effect of tobacco on health. However, beyond the known carcinogenic risk, we cannot neglect the effect that cigarettes have on the brain.

Likewise, it is not enough just to quit smoking, it is important not to be exposed to the smoke of those around us who have not yet abandoned this harmful habit.

3. Away with alcohol for better brain health

The alcohol problem continues to be a reality of great impact on society. It is important to know that excessive alcohol consumption prevents the brain from generating new neurons, reduces its functionality, increases the risk of suffering from psychological disorders and also dementias.

4. The problem of cities with high pollution

Among the habits that take care of the brain there is one that is not always easy to achieve. Living in a pollution-free environment reduces the risk of disease and cognitive decline as well. As far as possible, let us ensure that our life unfolds in a pollution-free environment, because these harmful atmospheres have an effect on our brain functionality.

5. The best investment? The cognitive reserve

We define cognitive reserve as that neuropsychological construct that allows us to cope with brain changes related to age or to some pathology. Something as basic and simple as staying intellectually active makes that reserve quota increase, that the neurological connections are stronger and, with this, the passage of time will affect us much less.

Therefore, among the habits that take care of the brain, do not forget to nurture your curiosity, to learn new things every day, read, discover, have enriching conversations, practice memory games or cognitive stimulation …

6. A healthy weight allows us to enjoy a better quality of life

We know that obesity is a risk factor for more than one disease: diabetes, cardiovascular problems, cancer … However, being overweight also increases the risk of developing dementias.

Therefore, do not hesitate to go to the experts (nutritionists, endocrinologists, psychologists …) to achieve a tighter weight.

7. The link between depression and dementia: let’s ask for help to treat this disorder

This information is important. Studies, such as those carried out at the University of Cambridge, show that there is a relationship between depression and dementia. Research, over 35 years old, shows us that those who have suffered from untreated major depression show a higher risk of developing cognitive decline.

8. Beware of falls, accidents and injuries

Head injuries can cause permanent and dangerous damage to the brain. Sometimes, we can suffer a fall or a blow and soon show alterations in brain function.

The biggest trigger for this type of trauma occurring as a result of accidents is the car. Therefore, we try to always wear the seat belt and take care of driving.

woman with illuminated brain to symbolize the habits that will take care of your brain

9. Take care of hearing loss

Hearing loss is not a minor issue. We know, for example, that hearing loss is linked to depression and that when both are not cared for, they add a person to progressive isolation. These factors cause mental decline and this is something that, after all, we could easily avoid with the use of hearing aids as necessary.

10. Prevent diabetes

Diabetes raises the risk of vascular dementia. It is important to remember that we can all avoid the development of type 2 diabetes by adopting better lifestyle habits.

Reducing the consumption of sugar, taking care of the diet and doing sports on a regular basis reverts to our general health.

11. Practice physical exercise

We don’t have to become athletes. It is enough simply to assume an active lifestyle in which, for example, that daily half-hour walk is not lacking. Swimming, dancing, cycling or discovering that type of sport that best suits our needs can undoubtedly reduce the risk of dementias.

12. Have a good social life

Among the habits that take care of the brain, there is one that you cannot miss: good social relationships. Spending time with friends sharing interesting experiences and conversations is a rush of well-being.

Having a partner with whom to build a happy life in which projects are not lacking also keeps us active, happy and optimistic. All of these are seeds of well-being that revert to our mental and brain health.

Let’s not hesitate to put all these tips into practice today.