Your brain undergoes changes as you age that may have minor effects on your memory or thinking skills. For example, healthy older adults might forget familiar names or words, or they may find it more difficult to multitask.
Things You Can Do to Promote Cognitive Health
Physical activity – increases blood flow to the body and brain. Moderate regular increases brain function and reduces stress and depression — factors that also affect memory.
Eat a healthy diet
- Fruits – all types
- Vegetables – all types
- Whole grains
- low-fat protein sources, such as fish, lean meat and skinless poultry
- Limit or eliminate alcohol – this can lead to confusion and memory loss
Stay mentally active – helps to sustain memory and thinking skills
- Reading
- Playing word games
- Take up a new hobby
- Take classes
- Learn to play an instrument
Be social – prevents depression and stress, which can contribute to memory loss
- Volunteer at a local school or nonprofit
- Spend time with family and friends
- Attend social events.
Treat cardiovascular disease
- Follow the doctor’s recommendations to manage cardiovascular risk factors
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Follow the doctor’s recommendations to manage cardiovascular risk factors
Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting smoking may help your cognitive health.
Talk to your doctor about memory loss and other changes in your thinking skills