Healthier Brains

The brain is one of your most vital organs, playing a role in every action and every thought, and just like the rest of your body it needs to be looked after. It’s never too soon, or too late to make changes that will maintain or improve your brain health, changes that may also help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Take Action for a Healthier Brain

Here are things that you can do to maintain or improve your brain health:

  • Challenge Your Brain
  • Keep your brain active every day. Studies show that regularly challenging your brain may reduce your likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease, so it is important to give your brain a regular work out.
  • Try something new or change the way you usually do a task -- such as brushing your hair with your less dominant hand. Here are some ideas to help you challenge your brain every day:
    • Play games to challenge your mind - chess, cards, word or number puzzles, jigsaws, crosswords, and memory games
    • Pursue a new interest, learn a language,take up a musical instrument, take a course, go to a museum, enjoy hobbies

Be Socially Active

Staying connected socially helps you stay connected mentally. Social interaction appears to have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease. So pick up the phone, stay connected to family and friends, get together with your neighbours. Spend time with people who have a positive outlook. The more engaged you are the better, so here are a few ideas for enhancing your social interactions:

Protect Your Head

Brain injuries, especially repeated concussions, are risk factors for the later development of Alzheimer’s disease. By protecting your head you are caring for your brain today and in the future.

  • Wear an approved helmet when engaging in sporting activities such as skating, skiing, skateboarding, rollerblading and cycling.
  • Protect against concussions by using safety features like handrails to avoid falls.
  • Drive safely and wear a seatbelt.
  • Enjoy events with family and friends
  • Stay active in the workforce or become a volunteer
  • Join a club or hobby group or take a class

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is as important to brain health as it is to the rest of your body. Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity are all risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. There are many simple lifestyle choices you can make to improve your brain health.

  • Make healthy food choices: eat a varied diet rich in dark-coloured fruits and vegetables, including foods rich in anti-oxidants, such as blueberries and spinach; and omega 3 oils found in fish and canola oils.
  • Be active: regular moderate physical activity helps maintain cardiovascular health and can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke and diabetes.
  • Track your numbers: keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight within recommended ranges. If you have diabetes, it is important to manage it well.
  • Reduce stress: practice relaxation, meditation or other stress reduction techniques.
  • Choose wisely: avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.