Want to keep your brain feeling youthful? Here’s some good news: you have more control over brain health than you might think. Research shows there are simple steps you can take to revitalize your brain.
Experts like Jared Tanner from the University of Florida highlight the importance of managing how we perceive stress and the role of good sleep in brain health. “Poor sleep is very treatable. Optimism can be practiced,” he says. Simple changes in mindset and lifestyle can have profound effects.
Recent studies indicate that following healthy habits can make your brain appear up to eight years younger. This was true even for participants dealing with chronic pain, according to research published in the journal Brain Communications.
In this study, researchers looked at 128 adults, mainly those experiencing chronic pain. They used MRI scans to measure what they called “brain age” and compared it to real age. A wider brain age gap meant a healthier brain. Strikingly, it was found that social connections, stress management, healthy weight, and good sleep are linked to better brain health.
While stress, chronic pain, and low education can age the brain, adopting healthier habits helps slow this process. Those who practiced the best habits, like staying active and fostering supportive relationships, showed significantly better brain health.
Interestingly, experts point out that the connection between these lifestyle choices and brain health is not just limited to those in chronic pain. Healthy habits can benefit anyone. Research shows that every additional healthy habit can provide neurobiological advantages.
With rising numbers of older adults, understanding ways to maintain brain health is crucial. Statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association reveal that one in nine people aged 65 and older has Alzheimer’s. By focusing on lifestyle changes, we may reduce our risk.
To learn more about keeping your brain healthy, the American Brain Foundation offers valuable insights into brain aging and ways to mitigate its effects here.
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