An Expert Shares 3 Simple Habits You Can Practice Right Now To Delay Memory Loss & Improve Brain Health

Poor cognitive health is a common problem that comes with age; However, memory loss is not necessarily a part of aging and there are many things you can do to keep your brain at its peak as you age. In fact, many of the best habits for improving and maintaining cognitive health are very easy to incorporate into your daily life.

"There are many lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent memory loss and reduce your risk of developing conditions like dementia. In addition to adding more brain-healthy foods, incorporating exercise, social engagement and mental activity into your daily routine can do wonders for your brain," says Registered Nurse Lauren Thayer.

"All of these activities help the brain maintain cognitive function in different ways," he said. "Increasing blood flow to the brain is one way to improve cognitive function, and many of these activities help increase blood flow to the brain." Learn more about the importance of each habit below.

1. Exercise

The notion that exercise is healthy is not a new idea. We have heard about it for a long time! However, even though we associate exercise with a healthy body, it's important to remember that getting your body moving and your blood flowing is an integral part of cognitive health.

"At least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can improve memory and reduce the risk of cognitive decline," says Thayer. Fortunately, there are many great practices to choose from.

2. Social responsibility

Spending time with loved ones, chatting with our neighbors, and attending social events aren't just great ways to feel good and connect with the world around us. It has also been shown to have a significant effect on brain health. In fact, experts agree that social interaction is one of the keys to longevity.

"Socializing with other people at least twice a week has been shown to reduce cognitive decline," says Thayer. Social interaction can increase brain plasticity, that is, the brain's ability to adapt and form new relationships. Participating in new and different social activities helps develop new neural pathways, increases cognitive flexibility and strength, and in turn helps preserve memory.

3. Cognitive activity

Exercise isn't the only thing that can help keep your brain healthy. Engaging in cognitive activities that relax the mind has a significant impact on memory.

"Exercising the mind, such as playing cards, reading, doing crossword puzzles or word searches, can improve memory and slow down cognitive decline," Thayer emphasizes. You can kill two birds with one stone!

The main thing

It is important to remember that many factors can affect cognitive health. This includes some things beyond our control, such as genetics. So remember that while these habits are good for your brain, they don't guarantee a perfect memory for life. However, they are all an important part of an overall healthy life. Your brain will definitely thank you when you make it a regular part of your daily routine.

Read more: These life-changing morning habits can do wonders for your mental health and mood as you age, health experts say.

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