If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or another long-term health concern, you’ve probably talked about it with your healthcare provider and taken steps to manage it. Addressing these conditions is extremely important for maintaining good health and quality of life for many years to come. But have you ever wondered if your brain is healthy? Have you talked to your healthcare provider about brain health? It’s something everyone should probably do. A recent survey found that more than 80 percent of people in the US say that they or someone close to them have struggled with at least one condition related to brain health, such as depression or dementia.
As we learn more about the brain and brain health, it has become evident that there are simple changes in daily life that everyone can make to improve brain health. And, beyond just improving brain health, making these changes now can reduce the risk of cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia in the future.
- If you have problems with your vision and/or hearing, wear corrective lenses and use hearing aids.
- Remain engaged with your family and friends and seek out social activities.
- Challenge your brain. Learn a new skill, try something artistic, or take a class at a local library.
- Get regular exercise and find ways to build more activity into your day.
- Get better sleep. Stay off screens before bed and minimize sleep disruption as much as possible.
- Quit smoking.
- Eat healthier. Include more vegetables and leaner meats in your diet and avoid processed foods.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage other health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Brain health is not an issue that you need to wrestle with on your own. Talk to your healthcare provider about it at your next visit. You might feel embarrassed or ashamed to share concerns related to thinking and memory because of what those concerns might mean in the future, and you may be uncomfortable starting this conversation whether you have specific concerns about your memory or not, and that’s okay. Many people feel the same way. In fact, less than 50% of people with concerns about thinking and memory bring up the topic with their provider. However, your brain health is too important to wait for your healthcare provider to bring up the topic. Why? Because, unfortunately, many providers are also uncomfortable talking about brain health and concerns about memory!
So, start planning a conversation with your provider about brain health and any concerns you may have about thinking and memory. Make a list of questions. Write down any concerns about thinking and memory that you may have. Find out more about lifestyle changes that can improve brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Don’t wait.
Access our animated whiteboard and associated resources for information on these topics today to help you or someone you love live life to the fullest for many years to come. Access here.
