Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
As we age, keeping our brains healthy is crucial. While some changes to our bodies and brains are inevitable, we can take active steps to slow cognitive decline and lower the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's. Here are six expert-recommended strategies to boost brain health.
1. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is essential for brain health. Research proves that physically active people are less likely to suffer mental decline and have a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. Exercise boosts blood flow and can reverse age-related brain connectivity issues. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate aerobic activity several times a week—activities like walking, swimming, or playing tennis can significantly boost your heart rate and benefit your brain.
For those with Alzheimer's disease, doctors often prescribe medications alongside regular exercise. Medications like donepezil (Aricept), galantamine, rivastigmine (Exelon), and Rexulti (brexpiprazole), can help manage symptoms.
2. Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital for your brain. Quality sleep clears out abnormal proteins and strengthens memories, boosting overall cognitive function. Aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to give your brain the time to consolidate and store memories effectively. If you struggle with sleep apnea or insomnia, consulting a healthcare provider is essential. You may need sleep medications, ranging from over-the-counter options like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Aller-chlor), and promethazine (Phenergan) to prescriptions such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (Prosom), zolpidem (Ambien), and ramelteon (Rozerem).
3. Stay Mentally Active
Keeping your brain active is essential for maintaining sharp cognitive function. To keep your mind in top shape, dive into activities like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, reading, playing cards, or assembling jigsaw puzzles. Mix it up to get the most benefit. Forget pricey brain-training programs; everyday activities offer all the cognitive stimulation you need.
4. Remain Socially Involved
Staying socially active is crucial for keeping depression and stress at bay, both of which can lead to memory loss. Regularly connecting with friends, family, and loved ones boosts brain health. Research shows that social isolation can shrink your brain while staying connected keeps it vibrant and strong.
5. Keep Your Blood Vessels Healthy
Keeping your blood vessels healthy is vital for a sharp mind. Regularly monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol to keep these levels in check. To manage these levels effectively, boost your physical activity, stick to a Mediterranean diet, and reduce sodium. Also, limit your alcohol intake—no more than one drink a day for women and two for men—and steer clear of smoking. These steps are crucial to maintaining a healthy brain.
6. Manage Your Stress
Effectively managing stress is crucial for preserving brain health. Among the various stressors, financial concerns, especially regarding medication costs, pose a significant and prevalent challenge. This form of stress can lead to severe mental and physical health issues, including anxiety, depression, headaches, migraines, and gastrointestinal problems, all of which can negatively impact brain health.
Rxless offers a powerful solution to alleviate the financial stress associated with high medication costs. By providing discounts of up to 88% at well-known pharmacies like CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens, RxLess makes essential prescription medications more accessible and affordable. Reducing this financial burden can greatly diminish stress, thereby promoting better overall brain health and well-being.
