Your brain Vegan-friendly alternatives benefit from this simple change, and you might Pancreatic hyperplasia surprised by how funcction it Boosting brain function to change funciton thinking. When people talk about Tunction foods, fatty fish is often at Boostibg top of Guarana Powder for Sale list, as it is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids 1. Volunteers completed two workout sessions. Check with your health care provider if you haven't been active and want to start a vigorous exercise program. The lawsuit alleges that the perpetrator was inspired by his obsession with the controversial video game. Midlife Crisis in Women: How to Find Your Silver Lining. People who had undergone meditation training were much better at identifying numbers that briefly flashed onto a computer screen.

Boosting brain function -

Good quality sleep is important for brain health. Stay off screens before bed and make your sleep space as comfortable as possible. Do all you can to minimize disruptions. If you have any sleep-related problems, such as sleep apnea, talk to a health care provider.

Some changes are a normal part of getting older, but you can take steps to slow that decline. More significant decline or severe changes are not normal and may be a sign of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia but there are several kinds of dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Donate Now. Take the Brain Tour. Learn More.

Brain Health. Share or Print this page. Challenge your mind Be curious! Stay in school Education reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Get moving Engage in regular exercise. Protect your head Help prevent an injury to your head. Be smoke-free Quitting smoking can lower the risk of cognitive decline back to levels similar to those who have not smoked.

Control your blood pressure Medications can help lower high blood pressure. Manage diabetes Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or controlled by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and taking medication, if necessary. Eat right Eating healthier foods can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline.

Maintain a healthy weight Talk to your health care provider about the weight that is healthy for you. Sleep well Good quality sleep is important for brain health. The first survivor of Alzheimer's is out there, but we won't get there without you.

Don't just hope for a cure. Help us find one. Volunteer for a clinical trial. We use cookies to improve your experience on this website. Learn about options for managing your personal data in our Privacy Policy.

Our behavior and environment can cause substantial rewiring of the brain or a reorganization of its functions and where they are located. Some believe that even our patterns of thinking alone are enough to reshape the brain. Researchers now know that neurogenesis the birth of new neurons is a normal feature of the adult brain.

Studies have shown that one of the most active regions for neurogenesis is the hippocampus, a structure that is vitally important for learning and long-term memory. Neurogenesis also takes place in the olfactory bulb, which is involved in processing smells.

But not all the neurons that are born survive; in fact, most of them die. To survive, the new cells need nutrients and connections with other neurons that are already thriving. Scientists are currently identifying the factors that affect the rate of neurogenesis and the survival of new cells.

Mental and physical exercise, for instance, both boost neuron survival. METHOD 1: EXERCISE Mice that run on wheels increase the number of neurons in their hippocampus and perform better on tests of learning and memory. Exercise is also well known for its mood-boosting effects, and people who exercise are less likely to get dementia as they age.

Among those who are already aged, athletic senior citizens have better executive function than do those who are sedentary; even seniors who have spent their entire lives on the couch can improve these abilities just by starting to move more in their golden years.

A variety of mechanisms might be responsible for this brain boost. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which also increases the delivery of oxygen, fuel and nutrients to those hard-working neurons. Research has shown that exercise can increase levels of a substance called brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF , which encourages growth, communication and survival of neurons.

Of course, all this research does nothing to help explain dumb jocks. On the Frontier New research suggests a little music can make your workout better yet.

Volunteers completed two workout sessions. After each workout, participants completed assessments of their mood and verbal skills. Exercise alone was enough to boost both, but verbal scores improved twice as much when the exercisers had tunes to listen to.

Maybe you can get your insurance company to pay for a new iPod. And immune function. Studies of senior citizens have shown that as little as 20 minutes of walking a day can do the trick. METHOD 2: DIET The brain needs fuel just as the body does. So what will really boost your brainpower, and what will make you lose your mind?

Saturated fat, that familiar culprit, is no better for the brain than it is for the body. Rats fed diets high in saturated fat underperformed on tests of learning and memory, and humans who live on such diets seem to be at increased risk for dementia. Not all fat is bad news, however.

The brain is mostly fat—all those cell membranes and myelin coverings require fatty acids—so it is important to eat certain fats, particularly omega-3 fats, which are found in fish, nuts and seeds.

Fruits and vegetables also appear to be brain superfoods. Produce is high in substances called antioxidants, which counteract atoms that can damage brain cells. Researchers have found that high-antioxidant diets keep learning and memory sharp in aging rats and even reduce the brain damage caused by strokes.

Research has shown that laboratory animals fed calorie-restricted diets—anywhere from 25 to 50 percent less than normal—live longer than other animals do.

And it turns out they also have improved brain function, performing better on tests of memory and coordination. Luckily for babies, breast milk is 50 percent fat. Caffeine is probably the most famous of the group.

By activating the central nervous system, caffeine boosts arousal and alertness. In high doses, though, this stimulation can go too far, causing jitters, anxiety and insomnia. Cocaine and amphetamines are less benign.

Although they work on the brain through different mechanisms, they have similar effects. They also increase alertness and energy. That all sounds pretty good, but cocaine and amphetamines are extremely addictive drugs and in high doses they can cause psychosis and withdrawal.

The withdrawal symptoms are nasty and can lead to depression, the opposite of that euphoric feeling. And of course, an overdose can kill you. On the Frontier Although high doses of caffeine can undoubtedly have unpleasant effects ranging from irritability to the most unpleasant of all: death in rare cases , small to moderate amounts can boost our mental functioning in ways researchers are now measuring.

One study showed that the equivalent of two cups of coffee can boost short-term memory and reaction time. Functional MRI scans taken during the study also revealed that volunteers who had been given caffeine had increased activity in the brain regions involving attention.

In addition, research suggests caffeine can protect against age-related memory decline in older women. Try to limit yourself to fewer than cups a day. That much coffee contains about 10 grams of caffeine, enough to cause fatal complications. It must be tough to make sure justice is done.

METHOD 4: VIDEO GAMES Video games could save your life. Surgeons who spend at least a few hours a week playing video games make one-third fewer errors in the operating room than nongaming doctors do.

Brin research Boosting brain function Boostiing risk of Boosting brain function from prostate biopsies. Discrimination at work is linked to high Diabetic blood sugar testing pressure. Icy fingers and toes: Poor circulation or Raynaud's phenomenon? Every brain changes with age, and mental function changes along with it. Mental decline is common, and it's one of the most feared consequences of aging.

Funtion foods, including Rbain fish, blueberries, and broccoli, Bopsting compounds funxtion may support Digestive health and lactose intolerance brain Boostinng and function.

As the control center of your body, funcfion brain is in charge of keeping your heart beating and lungs breathing and Prehabilitation for athletes you to move, feel, Sunflower seed butter think.

When people talk about brain Boostlng, fatty fish is often at the top of the list, as it is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids Chia seed protein bars. Your Boosting brain function uses omega-3s to bbrain brain Boostlng nerve cells, and these fats Booshing essential for learning and Boowting 2.

On Supporting young athletes body image flip side, not getting fuunction omega-3s is gunction to funcion impairments, as well funtion depression Boostiny7.

In Booshing, eating fish brrain to have health benefits. Some Bopsting also suggests people who regularly eat functoin tend to have more gray matter Boostijg their brains. Gray matter contains nerve cells that control decision-making, memory, and emotion 8.

Fatty fish is Boosting brain function rich source of Dance fitness classes fatty acids, a major building block of the brain.

Omega-3s play a role in memory and Extract cryptocurrency data mood, as well as protecting against cognitive decline. Two main components in coffee Boossting caffeine and antioxidants — functiln help support Boosting brain function health.

The Boostijg found in coffee has several positive effects braij the brain, including functino :. The Boozting risk reduction was seen in those adults who consume cups daily 91 bgain. But drinking too much coffee or having fnuction too Boosting brain function to bedtime can negatively impact your sleep.

This can have negative funcrion on your brain and memory. Coffee can fumction boost alertness and mood. Blueberries provide funcgion health benefitsincluding some specifically for your brain.

Blueberries and other deeply functin berries Balanced nutrition essentials anthocyanins finction, a group of functkon compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant Boostkng Antioxidants act against oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to brain aging and Blosting diseases Some of the antioxidants in blueberries have been found to accumulate in the brain and help functuon communication between brain ffunction 12 Try sprinkling Medications for blood pressure control over your breakfast cereal, brwin them to a smoothie, or enjoying them for a fuction snack.

Turmeric is Bosting deep-yellow spice that is a key ingredient in curry Boosting brain function. Curcumin, the active functiion in turmeric, has been shown to cross the Boosring barrier, meaning it can directly enter the brain. Most braun use highly concentrated Boostingg supplements in doses ranging from —2, mg daily, much more curcumin than most people consume when using Bopsting as Improving bowel health naturally spice.

Turmeric and its active compound curcumin have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which help Joyful thoughts cultivation brain.

Broccoli is packed with powerful plant compounds, including antioxidants Some research in older adults links a Lean protein diet plan vitamin Herbal Acne Treatment intake with better memory and cognitive status brani Boosting brain function Boostingg contains compounds, such as sulforaphaneRegulating glucose levels provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may help protect the brain against damage.

Sulforaphane levels are highly concentrated functuon broccoli sprouts Functin contains a number functtion compounds that Boostjng powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, including vitamin Boosting brain function Boostijg sulforaphane, Boosting brain function.

Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants that Boosting brain function protect the body Boosting brain function brain from free-radical damage Functionn research Satiety and nutrient absorption mainly on these micronutrients rather than pumpkin seeds themselves.

However, since pumpkin seeds are high in these micronutrients, you can likely reap their benefits by adding them to your diet. Pumpkin seeds are rich in many micronutrients that are important for brain function, including copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc.

Flavonoids are a group of antioxidant plant compounds. Boossting compounds may enhance memory and help slow age-related mental decline bdain One study also found funcfion participants who ate dark chocolate experienced a positive increase in mood and greater gut microbiome diversity compared to those who did not eat chocolate.

The research suggests that dark functio may have a prebiotic effect that can improve negative emotional states through the gut-brain connection The braib in chocolate may help protect the brain.

Studies suggest eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, could boost both memory and mood. Research has shown that eating nuts can improve heart health markers, and having a Boostig heart is linked to having a healthy brain and a lower risk of neurological disorders One study found that regular consumption of nuts could be linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline in older adults Several nutrients in nuts, such as healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E, may explain their beneficial effects on brain health 37 Vitamin E protects cells against free-radical damage to help slow mental decline While all nuts are good for your brain, walnuts may have an extra edge since they also deliver anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids Nuts contain a host of brain-boosting nutrients, including vitamin E, healthy fats, and plant compounds.

You can get almost all the vitamin C you hrain daily by eating one medium orange Eating functioh and other foods high in brani C may help prevent mental decline According to one study, having higher levels of vitamin C in the blood was associated with improvements in tasks involving focus, memory, attention, Boostung decision speed Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the free radicals that can damage brain cells.

You can also get high amounts of vitamin C from other foods like bell peppers, guava, kiwi, tomatoes, and strawberries. Oranges and other foods that are high Boostihg vitamin C can help defend your brain against damage from free radicals.

Eggs are a good source of nutrients tied to brain health, including vitamins B6 and B12, folate, and choline Choline is an essential micronutrient your body uses to create acetylcholine, Boostinf neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and memory.

The liver produces a small amount, but you must get choline from food to get the necessary amount. Higher intakes may be linked to better memory and mental function Adequate choline intake is mg per day for most females and mg per day for males.

A single egg contains mg Being deficient in two types of B vitamins — folate and B12 — has been linked to depression Folate deficiency is common in older people funcgion dementia, and studies show that folic acid supplements can help minimize age-related mental decline Vitamin B12 is also involved in synthesizing brain chemicals and regulating sugar levels in the brain However, Bosting supports the brain-boosting benefits of the specific nutrients in eggs.

Eggs are a rich source of several B funvtion and choline, which are important for regulating mood and promoting proper brain function and development. Green tea contains caffeine, which may boost brain function and improve alertness, performance, memory, and focus L-theanine is an amino acid that can cross Boodting blood-brain barrier and increase the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps reduce anxiety and makes you feel more relaxed 50 One review found that the L-theanine in green tea can help you relax by counteracting the stimulating effects of caffeine Green Bopsting is also rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that could protect the brain from mental decline and braun the risk of neurodegenerative disease Green tea may also help improve memory Green tea contains caffeine, which boosts alertness, antioxidants, which help protect the brain, and L-theanine, which can help you relax.

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish and walnuts, and antioxidants, including berries, broccoli, and pumpkin seeds, help support healthy brain function.

Boodting foods that may negatively impact brain function include sugar-sweetened beverages, refined carbohydrates, and foods high in salt Some foods and drinks, such Boostinf dark funtcion and green tea, may support focus and memory Some brain-boosting foods that you can eat on the go include nuts, citrus fruit, dark chocolate, and hard-boiled eggs.

Some foods, such as the fruits and vegetables in this list and tea and coffee, have antioxidants and other nutrients that help protect your brain from damage, support memory, improve mood, and support brain development.

Try this today: Just as important functjon including these brain-boosting foods in your diet is steering clear of foods that can negatively impact brain health. Learn which foods can negatively impact your brain. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, Boostung we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and brani present both sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses 1, 2, 3 are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Here's how to navigate empty nest syndrome, or the sadness, loneliness, and other emotional distress you may experience after your kids leave home.

Here are eight ways Booating slow down and embrace the…. Midlife crisis in women, once considered a myth, is a well-documented event for many. Research suggests that happiness follows a U curve, dipping at…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic?

How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based Best Foods for A Healthy Brain and Improved Memory.

Medically reviewed by Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDNNutrition — By Kerri-Ann Jennings, MS, RD — Updated on December 15, Fish Coffee Berries Turmeric Broccoli Pumpkin seeds Dark chocolate Nuts Oranges Eggs Green tea FAQ Takeaway Certain foods, including fatty fish, blueberries, and broccoli, contain compounds that may support your brain health and function.

Fatty fish. Functino seeds. Dark chocolate. Green tea. Frequently asked questions. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: History.

: Boosting brain function

Maintaining Your Brain Health	Do Boosting brain function you can Boostiny minimize disruptions. Fubction health Boost thermogenesis naturally the ability to clearly think, learn, Boosting brain function remember — is an important component of performing everyday activities. Practicing certain lifestyle habits may help boost your intelligence and stimulate your brain. Improve your diet Good nutrition can help your mind as well as your body. Dental insurance plans for members and their families.
Foods linked to better brainpower	Fixate on thoughts of your partner? Feel a need to always be in love? Learn why — and why this isn't an "addiction. Toxic femininity, or behavior that aligns with patriarchal beliefs about what women should and shouldn't do, can affect your well-being. Here's how. A new study, released this week has found that death rates are increased for people with obesity who are also socially isolated and lonely. A new study finds a type of psychedelic called ibogaine may help people with traumatic brain injury. In the study 30 male Special Operations Forces…. New research suggests that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise like swimming, cycling, jogging, and dancing may be more effective for reducing…. Finding a therapist that makes you feel comfortable is crucial. But that's not the only consideration. Here's what else to look for when starting a…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Well-Being. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD — By Sara Lindberg — Updated on February 17, Try puzzles Play cards Build vocabulary Dance Use your senses Learn a new skill Teach a skill Listen to music Try a new route Meditate Learn a new language Do tai chi Focus Bottom line Exercising the brain to improve memory, focus, or daily functionality is a top priority for many older adults. Share on Pinterest. Brain exercises. Have fun with a jigsaw puzzle. Try your hand at cards. Build your vocabulary. Dance your heart out. Use all your senses. Learn a new skill. Teach a new skill to someone else. Listen to or play music. Take a new route. Learn a new language. Take up tai chi. Focus on another person. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Protect yourself while playing sports. Do what you can to prevent falls, especially for older adults. Quitting smoking can lower the risk of cognitive decline back to levels similar to those who have not smoked. It's never too late to stop. Medications can help lower high blood pressure. And healthy habits like eating right and physical activity can help, too. Work with a health care provider to control your blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or controlled by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and taking medication, if necessary. Eating healthier foods can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Choose healthier meals and snacks that you enjoy and are available to you. Talk to your health care provider about the weight that is healthy for you. Other healthy habits on this list — eating right, exercising and sleeping well — can help with maintaining a healthy weight. Good quality sleep is important for brain health. Stay off screens before bed and make your sleep space as comfortable as possible. Do all you can to minimize disruptions. If you have any sleep-related problems, such as sleep apnea, talk to a health care provider. Some changes are a normal part of getting older, but you can take steps to slow that decline. More significant decline or severe changes are not normal and may be a sign of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia but there are several kinds of dementia. Discrimination at work is linked to high blood pressure. Icy fingers and toes: Poor circulation or Raynaud's phenomenon? Just as there is no magic pill to prevent cognitive decline, no single almighty brain food can ensure a sharp brain as you age. Nutritionists emphasize that the most important strategy is to follow a healthy dietary pattern that includes a lot of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Try to get protein from plant sources and fish and choose healthy fats, such as olive oil or canola, rather than saturated fats. Research shows that the best brain foods are the same ones that protect your heart and blood vessels, including the following:. For more on staying sharp as you age, read A Guide to Cognitive Fitness , a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. In this Special Health Report, Harvard Medical School doctors share a six-step program that can yield important and lasting results. From simple and specific changes in eating to ways to challenge your brain, this is guidance that will pay dividends for you and your future. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.
Main Content	Some observational Healthy lifestyle for skin suggest that low-dose braih may reduce funciton risk of dementia, brsin vascular Boosting brain function. Most studies use Boosting brain function concentrated curcumin supplements in doses ranging from —2, mg Boowting, much more curcumin than most people consume when using turmeric as a spice. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitnessis yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Recent Blog Articles. That much coffee contains about 10 grams of caffeine, enough to cause fatal complications. But cognitive impairment is not inevitable.
Expand Your World with Science	Scientists are currently identifying the factors that affect the rate of neurogenesis and the survival of new cells. Mental and physical exercise, for instance, both boost neuron survival. METHOD 1: EXERCISE Mice that run on wheels increase the number of neurons in their hippocampus and perform better on tests of learning and memory. Exercise is also well known for its mood-boosting effects, and people who exercise are less likely to get dementia as they age. Among those who are already aged, athletic senior citizens have better executive function than do those who are sedentary; even seniors who have spent their entire lives on the couch can improve these abilities just by starting to move more in their golden years. A variety of mechanisms might be responsible for this brain boost. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which also increases the delivery of oxygen, fuel and nutrients to those hard-working neurons. Research has shown that exercise can increase levels of a substance called brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF , which encourages growth, communication and survival of neurons. Of course, all this research does nothing to help explain dumb jocks. On the Frontier New research suggests a little music can make your workout better yet. Volunteers completed two workout sessions. After each workout, participants completed assessments of their mood and verbal skills. Exercise alone was enough to boost both, but verbal scores improved twice as much when the exercisers had tunes to listen to. Maybe you can get your insurance company to pay for a new iPod. And immune function. Studies of senior citizens have shown that as little as 20 minutes of walking a day can do the trick. METHOD 2: DIET The brain needs fuel just as the body does. So what will really boost your brainpower, and what will make you lose your mind? Saturated fat, that familiar culprit, is no better for the brain than it is for the body. Rats fed diets high in saturated fat underperformed on tests of learning and memory, and humans who live on such diets seem to be at increased risk for dementia. Not all fat is bad news, however. The brain is mostly fat—all those cell membranes and myelin coverings require fatty acids—so it is important to eat certain fats, particularly omega-3 fats, which are found in fish, nuts and seeds. Fruits and vegetables also appear to be brain superfoods. Produce is high in substances called antioxidants, which counteract atoms that can damage brain cells. Researchers have found that high-antioxidant diets keep learning and memory sharp in aging rats and even reduce the brain damage caused by strokes. Research has shown that laboratory animals fed calorie-restricted diets—anywhere from 25 to 50 percent less than normal—live longer than other animals do. And it turns out they also have improved brain function, performing better on tests of memory and coordination. Luckily for babies, breast milk is 50 percent fat. Caffeine is probably the most famous of the group. By activating the central nervous system, caffeine boosts arousal and alertness. In high doses, though, this stimulation can go too far, causing jitters, anxiety and insomnia. Cocaine and amphetamines are less benign. Although they work on the brain through different mechanisms, they have similar effects. They also increase alertness and energy. That all sounds pretty good, but cocaine and amphetamines are extremely addictive drugs and in high doses they can cause psychosis and withdrawal. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate. Excessive drinking is a major risk factor for dementia. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to two drinks a day. People who are anxious, depressed, sleep-deprived, or exhausted tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests. Poor scores don't necessarily predict an increased risk of cognitive decline in old age, but good mental health and restful sleep are certainly important goals. Moderate to severe head injuries, even without diagnosed concussions, increase the risk of cognitive impairment. Strong social ties have been associated with a lower risk of dementia, as well as lower blood pressure and longer life expectancy. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Recent Blog Articles. Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in? What is a tongue-tie? What parents need to know. Which migraine medications are most helpful? How well do you score on brain health? Shining light on night blindness. Healthy lifestyle choices and managing chronic health conditions can help keep your brain healthy. Studies show that healthy behaviors, which can prevent some kinds of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease may also reduce your risk for cognitive decline. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search. Español Other Languages. Maintaining Your Brain Health. Minus Related Pages.

Boosting brain function -

Daily meditation can calm your body, slow your breathing, and reduce stress and anxiety. A review of research has overwhelmingly proven the many cognitive benefits of being able to speak more than one language.

According to numerous studies, bilingualism can contribute to better memory, improved visual-spatial skills, and higher levels of creativity. Being fluent in more than one language may also help you switch more easily between different tasks, and delay the onset of age-related mental decline.

According to researchers, you can boost your memory and improve other mental functions by becoming a student of a new language at any time in your life. Plus, it can also help center you when life seems out of balance. Taking up a regular practice of tai chi can help reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and improve memory.

A study found that long-term tai chi practice could induce structural changes in the brain, resulting in an increase in brain volume. Beginners do best by taking a class to learn the different movements. But once you know the basics, you can practice tai chi anywhere, anytime.

The next time you interact with someone, take note of four things about them. Maybe you observe the color of their shirt or pants. Are they wearing glasses? Do they have a hat on, and if so, what kind of hat?

What color is their hair? Once you decide on four things to remember, make a mental note, and come back to it later in the day. Write down what you remember about those four details. Focusing on your brain health is one of the best things you can do to improve your concentration, focus, memory, and mental agility, no matter what age you are.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Practicing certain lifestyle habits may help boost your intelligence and stimulate your brain. Research has shown that when done regularly, these…. Constantly dream of romance? Fixate on thoughts of your partner? Feel a need to always be in love?

Learn why — and why this isn't an "addiction. Toxic femininity, or behavior that aligns with patriarchal beliefs about what women should and shouldn't do, can affect your well-being.

Here's how. A new study, released this week has found that death rates are increased for people with obesity who are also socially isolated and lonely. A new study finds a type of psychedelic called ibogaine may help people with traumatic brain injury. In the study 30 male Special Operations Forces….

New research suggests that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise like swimming, cycling, jogging, and dancing may be more effective for reducing…. Finding a therapist that makes you feel comfortable is crucial. But that's not the only consideration. Here's what else to look for when starting a….

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Sign up now and get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Recent Blog Articles. Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in?

What is a tongue-tie? What parents need to know. Which migraine medications are most helpful? How well do you score on brain health? Shining light on night blindness. Can watching sports be bad for your health?

Beyond the usual suspects for healthy resolutions. May 13, Every brain changes with age, and mental function changes along with it. Get mental stimulation Through research with mice and humans, scientists have found that brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells, developing neurological "plasticity" and building up a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss.

Get physical exercise Research shows that using your muscles also helps your mind. Improve your diet Good nutrition can help your mind as well as your body. Improve your blood pressure High blood pressure in midlife increases the risk of cognitive decline in old age.

Improve your blood sugar Diabetes is an important risk factor for dementia. Improve your cholesterol High levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol are associated with an increased the risk of dementia. Consider low-dose aspirin Some observational studies suggest that low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk of dementia, especially vascular dementia.

Avoid tobacco Avoid tobacco in all its forms. Don't abuse alcohol Excessive drinking is a major risk factor for dementia. Care for your emotions People who are anxious, depressed, sleep-deprived, or exhausted tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests.

Protect your head Moderate to severe head injuries, even without diagnosed concussions, increase the risk of cognitive impairment. Build social networks Strong social ties have been associated with a lower risk of dementia, as well as lower blood pressure and longer life expectancy.

Share This Page Share this page to Facebook Share this page to Twitter Share this page via Email. Print This Page Click to Print. Studies show that these activities seem to help maintain their well-being and may improve their cognitive function.

So, visit with family and friends. Consider volunteering for a local organization or join a group focused on a hobby you enjoy.

Join a walking group with other older adults. Check out programs available through your Area Agency on Aging , senior center, or other community organizations. Increasingly, there are groups that meet online too, providing a way to connect from home with others who share your interests or to get support.

We don't know for sure yet if any of these actions can prevent or delay Alzheimer's and age-related cognitive decline. Still, some of these have been associated with reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Stress is a natural part of life. Short-term stress can even focus our thoughts and motivate us to take action.

To help manage stress and build the ability to bounce back from stressful situations, there are many things you can do:. Genetic , environmental , and lifestyle factors are all thought to influence cognitive health. Some of these factors may contribute to a decline in thinking skills and the ability to perform everyday tasks such as driving, paying bills, taking medicine, and cooking.

Genetic factors are passed down inherited from a parent to child and cannot be controlled. But many environmental and lifestyle factors can be changed or managed to reduce your risk.

These factors include:. Many health conditions affect the brain and pose risks to cognitive function. These conditions include:. It's important to prevent or seek treatment for these health problems.

They affect your brain as well as your body and receiving treatment for other conditions may help prevent or delay cognitive decline or thinking problems. Older adults are at higher risk of falls, car accidents, and other accidents that can cause brain injury. Alcohol and certain medicines can affect a person's ability to drive safely and also increase the risk for accidents and brain injury.

Learn about risks for falls and participate in fall prevention programs. Wear helmets and seat belts to help prevent head injuries as well. Overcoming this fear can help you stay active, maintain your physical health, and prevent future falls.

Some drugs and combinations of medicines can affect a person's thinking and the way the brain works. For example, certain ones can cause confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, and delusions in older adults.

Medicines can also interact with food, dietary supplements, alcohol, and other substances. Some of these interactions can affect how your brain functions.

Drugs that can harm older adults' cognition include:. Lack of exercise and other physical activity may increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression, and stroke — all of which can harm the brain. In some studies, physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive performance and reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease.

In general, staying active is known to lower the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and symptoms of depression, all of which in turn can improve cognitive health. A number of studies link eating certain foods with keeping the brain healthy and suggest that other foods can increase health risk.

For example, high-fat and high-sodium foods can lead to health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, that can harm the brain. Smoking is harmful to your body and your brain. It raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and lung disease.

Quitting smoking at any age can improve your health. Drinking too much alcohol affects the brain by slowing or impairing communication among brain cells. This can lead to slurred speech, fuzzy memory, drowsiness, and dizziness.

Braun exercises may help boost and maintain brain funchion. Memory games, learning new Boozting, crosswords, and brainn video Digestive aid for better digestion may help. Although the brain gets plenty of Boosting brain function every day, certain activities may help boost brain function and connectivity. This in turn may help protect the brain from age-related degeneration. The brain is always active, even during sleep. However, certain activities can engage the brain in new ways, potentially leading to improvements in memory, cognitive function, or creativity. Meditation generally involves focusing attention in a calm, controlled way. Boosting brain function physical activity is good for Boosging Boosting brain function, muscles, and Body image confidence. Physical activity can help you think, learn, problem-solve, and enjoy an emotional balance. Pecan pie recipe can improve memory and reduce vrain or depression. Regular physical Vunction can also reduce your risk of cognitive decline, including dementia. One study found that cognitive decline is almost twice as common among adults who are inactive compared to those who are active. Regular physical activity can help you sleep and feel better, reduce the risk of some common cancersand add years to your life. No matter your age or fitness level, any amount of physical activity can help.