Seven Tips For Better Brain Health

Our brain changes as we age: our memory gets foggier, our joints start to creak. Researchers at Jefferson who conducted cognitive studies with black participants suggest that being active socially, physically, and mentally (or cognitively) may actually prevent memory loss in those who start showing signs of forgetfulness. While this might sound familiar, the science suggests that the trick is to set achievable, or small goals, and to do them consistently, integrating them into everyday life. “Many people feel, ‘I’ve worked my whole life, retirement is my time to rest,’” said Joann Akpan, Clinical Research Coordinator at Jefferson, who helped participants set and keep goals for more active living as part of the study . “People don’t realize that our bodies and minds stop working as well when we don’t use them.” Keeping brain, body, and social life active — all three, if possible — may significantly help reduce memory loss. In fact, study participants who set and met activity goals saw an 88 percent reduction in risk of memory loss compared to those who didn’t. But finding ways to set and keep realistic goals isn’t easy. Only about 9 percent of people who set New Year’s resolutions ever complete them. Akpan and study authors, Barry Rovner and Robin Casten, were asked for seven tips on finding and setting effective activity goals that enhance brain activity and that all older adults can stick to. Start With A Script If you’re helping a family member with memory loss, create a script you can follow to start the discussion and avoid landmines. (Use the tips and activity suggestions below to guide your scripting.) “It can be difficult to talk to loved ones about their memory loss – it can be scary, they may get defensive, and not want to engage,” said […]

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