Supporting Cognitive Brain Function

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Brain Function

Alzheimer's disease, also known as just Alzheimer's, is the most common cause of memory loss and cognitive function that can interfere with day-to-day activities. In fact, Alzheimer's accounts for about 60-80% of dementia cases.

Fortunately, you can incorporate plenty of healthy habits into your routine that helps support healthy brain function. In recognition of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, the health experts at Kirby Medical Center are here to share some tips and tricks to help support healthy brain function as you get older.

Stay Physically Active

Leading a physically active lifestyle as you get older can promote cognitive brain function. This is because physical activity stimulates the network connections within the brain, subsequently increasing the size of the portion of the brain that creates and stores memories.

According to the CDC, it is advised that the average adult should strive to get at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

Catch Up on Sleep

Getting good quality rest each night also helps to support concentration and critical thinking skills. The American Sleep Foundation says that this is because getting 7-9 hours of rest consistently triggers changes within the brain that help you to:

• Retain information
• Recall information later
• For new, complex ideas
• Problem solve and critical think

Play Puzzles and Games

Finding hobbies that challenge you mentally can also help to support cognitive brain function. Participating in activities that force you to think strategically and critically helps to stimulate new connections between nerve cells. It can also help your body to produce new brain cells.

The next you find yourself with idle time, try out some of these activities to give your brain a healthful boost:

• Reading
• Puzzles and board games
• Card games
• Playing an instrument

Contact Kirby Medical Center

At Kirby Medical Center, we are dedicated to helping our community learn how to stay healthy and safe. If you are concerned about your health risks and the types of vaccines that are right for you, contact Kirby Medical Center at 217-762-2115 to learn more about how we can assist with all your healthcare needs.