{"id":32,"date":"2021-10-12T05:00:26","date_gmt":"2021-10-12T03:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/?p=103085"},"modified":"2021-10-12T11:44:17","modified_gmt":"2021-10-12T09:44:17","slug":"the-6-best-habits-to-keep-your-brain-fit-according-to-neuroscience","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/rss_feed\/the-6-best-habits-to-keep-your-brain-fit-according-to-neuroscience\/","title":{"rendered":"The 6 best habits to keep your brain fit, according to neuroscience"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Christian Jarrett\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 12 October 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever had the feeling that you aren\u2019t as sharp as you used to be \u2013\u00a0perhaps you get frustrated that you can\u2019t put a name to an actor or politician who has been in the news, for instance, or maybe you\u2019re not as quick at mental arithmetic as you were\u00a0 \u2013\u00a0it might have given you pause for thought about your brain\u2019s fitness and whether it\u2019s all downhill from here.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s true that the brain typically finishes developing in our twenties, after which there is a gradual cognitive slowing with age, so it\u2019s good to start thinking about these things early. Later in life, there is also the risk of dementia, caused by diseases such as Alzheimer\u2019s; inevitably, countries with ageing populations are now witnessing rising rates of dementia.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, however, rates of cognitive slowing and dementia risk are both influenced by what experts call \u2018modifiable risk factors\u2019. In short, there\u2019s reason to be optimistic because there are things you can do \u2013 lifestyle habits you can adopt \u2013 to maintain your brain sharpness and protect yourself from risk of dementia.<\/p>\n

\n

Stay mentally active to build your cognitive reserve<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Psychologists and gerontologists refer to a concept known as \u2018cognitive reserve<\/a>\u2019 which is essentially your brain\u2019s ability to adapt in the face of ageing or illness.<\/p>\n

For instance, if a person has high cognitive reserve, then even if they show some of the biological markers of Alzheimer\u2019s (such as the clumps of protein that accumulate and harm brain function), it\u2019s possible they will still perform well on tests of their mental performance. It\u2019s as if they have spare mental capacity that allows them to cope with the damage.<\/p>\n

Importantly, there are many activities you can adopt that are considered to build your cognitive reserve,<\/a> such as reading, playing musical instruments or singing, completing challenging puzzles, learning a second language and travelling. Put simply, there really is truth to the old adage to \u201cuse it or lose it\u201d.<\/p>\n

Read more about brain health:<\/strong><\/p>\n