Maintaining Our Brain Health and Decreasing the Risks of Cognitive Decline

Common changes in our brains as we age:

1. Mild memory decline

2. Control and maintenance of attention decreases

3. Slower processing of information

Possible symptoms of dementia:

1. Getting lost in familiar places

2. Forgetting the function of objects

3. Difficulty with planning and sequencing

4. Unable to learn new things

5. Significant changes in visual-spatial perception

6. Problems with balance, and falls,

7. Mood or personal changes

8. Difficulty initiating new tasks and social withdrawal

What can we do to decrease the risk of experiencing cognitive decline as we age?

1. Activity: ~150 minutes (2 hours and a half) of aerobic activity per week

2. Staying well-nourished: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, fish and healthy fats and plenty of water

3. Cognitive activity: keep discovering, learning, and having fun

4. Social connection: engage in regular social activity

5. Sleep: 7-9 hours every day