Experts are advocating for a paradigm shift in how individuals approach their well-being, urging them to prioritize brain health with the same diligence they apply to monitoring their heart health. This proactive stance, according to neurologists, can significantly impact cognitive function and potentially ward off age-related decline.
Davide Cappon, director of neuropsychology at Tufts Medical Center, noted that while many people regularly track metrics like blood pressure, heart rate, and sleep, fewer pay attention to their memory, focus, and overall thinking. He suggests that conversations about cognitive function should become a more common part of routine medical checkups, particularly for older adults.
"We should really think about brain health the same way we think about heart health," Cappon told HuffPost. "We routinely check our blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, but how often do we actually talk about our memory or thinking during a regular doctor’s visit? I think we should make those conversations much more common, especially as we get older."
Early detection of cognitive changes can be crucial for managing conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Cappon stated, "If a disease is developing, recognizing it early gives us more opportunities to intervene, optimize treatment and potentially slow its progression."
Beyond monitoring, lifestyle factors play a significant role in maintaining brain health. Cappon emphasized that staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, maintaining social connections, having a sense of purpose, and managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes are all important in potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
Dr. Majid Fotuhi, a neurologist and adjunct professor in neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University, points to research suggesting a high percentage of dementia cases could be preventable or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors. He identifies exercise, sleep, diet, stress reduction, and cognitive training as the "five pillars of brain health."
"The brain is like a muscle: It responds to how we treat it, at any age," Fotuhi said. Both he and Cappon encourage lifelong learning and mental challenges to build "cognitive reserve"—the brain's capacity to cope with aging and disease. Activities like learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, or engaging in new hobbies can help keep the mind sharp.
Engaging in these brain-boosting activities with others can also be beneficial. Dr. Michael Stanley, a neurologist at Tufts Medical Center, recommends that people undertake cognitive interventions, such as learning a new skill or taking a class, with friends or family to enhance commitment and social connection. Strong social ties are also linked to longevity, underscoring the holistic benefits of prioritizing brain health.
Cappon concluded, "There’s actually a lot we can do to lower our risk of cognitive decline and build resilience as we age. We shouldn’t wait until something goes wrong to start taking care of our brains."