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Brain Health

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Brain health encompasses the overall well-being of your brain, including cognitive function, mental clarity, and emotional balance. A number of lifestyle factors can influence brain health, such as diet, substance use, exercise, sleep, and stress. Age-related changes in the brain, injuries such as stroke, mood disorders, and dementia can all affect brain health as well. Maintaining cognitive function, reducing the risk of cognitive decline, and promoting mental wellness often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, cognitive exercises, and stress management techniques.

   Poll

Which lifestyle factor do you believe has the biggest impact on your brain health?

FAQ

What foods are good for brain health?

Foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins can support brain health. Canned fish like sardines, strawberries, avocados, and spinach all feature nutrients that are important for cognitive health.

Regular physical activity not only helps improve blood flow to the brain, it also supports cognitive function and boosts mood and energy. What’s more, research consistently links aerobic activity with a reduction in dementia risk.

Adequate sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive function. Sleep is also essential for protecting the brain against memory problems like Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Improve and protect your memory by engaging in a variety of games and activities known for supporting neuroplasticity. Try learning a new language, picking up a sport like pickleball, playing a musical instrument, or exploring a new hobby.

Research shows stress can impair cognitive function and increase the risk of cognitive decline. Fortunately, taking steps to reduce stress and learning how to better cope with stress can help protect brain health.

Meet Our Experts In Brain Health
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
Jessica-Baity-bio

Jessica Baity, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jessica Baity, MD, is a board-certified neurologist practicing in southern Louisiana. She cares for a variety of patients in all fields of neurology, including epilepsy, headache, ...

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Michael Yang, MD

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Michael Yang is a neurologist and headache specialist at Emplify Health, and an adjunct professor of neurology at the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine.

He comp...

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David-Weisman-bio

David Weisman, MD

Medical Reviewer

David Weisman, MD, is the director of the Clinical Trial Center at Abington Neurological Associates in Pennsylvania, where he has conducted numerous clinical trials into mild cogni...

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jason-paul-chua-bio

Jason Paul Chua, MD, PhD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jason Chua, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology and Division of Movement Disorders at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He received his training at th...

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michael-yochelson-bio

Michael R. Yochelson, MD, MBA

Medical Reviewer

Michael R. Yochelson, MD, MBA, is the chief medical officer at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where he was instrumental in starting its first fellowship in brain injury medicine. ...

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headshot of Silky Pahlajani

Silky Pahlajani, MD

Medical Reviewer
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Reyna Franco, RDN

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American Col...

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Resources
  1. Brain Health. National Institute on Aging.

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